How the Adam and Eve story influences the AMA policy on Physician-assisted suicide

What is it about?

Physician-assisted suicide is an important moral, social, and especially theological issue. In an effort to stimulate dialogue between chaplains and between chaplains and the medical community I present three theologically based reasons to support physician-assisted suicide: the evolution of theological views, the new epidemiology of dying, and the scientific theory of apoptosis. Augustine's interpretation of the Adam and Eve story connects death with sin, suffering, and evil. I contend that a direct link exists between this message and the American Medical Association's ethical code on physician-assisted suicide which among other things states, "Physician-assisted suicide is fundamentally incompatible with the physician's role as healer, would be impossible to control, and would pose serious societal risks." My three theological reasons challenge this ethic. Of importance to note is this issue of Chaplaincy Today contains two responses from chaplains Paula Teague and David McCurdy.

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Why is it important?

Physician-assisted suicide is a crucial ethical and spiritual concern especially pastoral caregivers. It has been addressed minimally in pastoral care literature and not from a perspective that advocates as an end-of-life option.

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