Lonnie R. Bristow

Lonnie R. Bristow is former president of the American Medical Association, and the following viewpoint is excerpted from testimony she gave before the House of Representatives on the AMA’s behalf. In it, Bristow argues that physician-assisted suicide constitutes a violation of medical ethics and threatens the doctor-patient relationship. However, she emphasizes the AMA’s support for a patient’s right to refuse treatment and a doctor’s duty to prescribe adequate pain medication even if there is a risk that such medication might hasten death.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. What is a physician’s primary obligation, in Bristow’s opinion?
2. Which two states does Bristow say have developed clear legislative guidance that can resolve most physicians’ concerns about prescribing large...