From Mr N. A. Szczepaniak, MRPharmS
SIR,—I was alarmed to read the “Broad Spectrum” article entitled
“A role for the pharmacist in physician-assisted suicide” (PJ, October
28, p649). It had never
before occurred to me when considering the arguments around the subject of PAS
that I might, in the future, be called upon to dispense a lethal dose of a drug
with the intention of hastening death.
When dealing with terminally ill patients I believe it is the duty of a health
care professional to take appropriate action to alleviate suffering.This does
not extend to assisting that patient in ending his or her own life.
Unlike the quarter of pharmacists in the survey quoted who would not want to
know the purpose of a prescription for use in PAS, I would expect to be given
this information, so that I could refuse to dispense. Furthermore, I would expect
my right to refuse to be enshrined in law. I respect the rights of dying patients
to end their lives as and when they see fit. However, should it ever become
my responsibility to assist them in this, I will seek alternative employment.
Nigel Szczepaniak
Mansfield, Nottinghamshire