The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), one of our nation’s major medical organizations, has recently adopted a “neutral stance” on the issue of physician-assisted suicide (a practice that they now euphemistically refer to as “medical aid in dying”). This kind of moral fence-sitting amounts to a tacit approval of doctor-sanctioned self-murder, and represents a clear betrayal of the Hippocratic Oath, in which physicians pledge to “do no harm” to their patients.
In an October 17 press release, the Catholic Medical Association (CMA) stated that “Leading medical associations continue to regard any form of euthanasia at odds with the physician’s role as healer. Many warn that allowing such practices will lead to abuse of the most vulnerable including the sick and the elderly.”
Thankfully, the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians and the World Medical Association (in addition to the CMA) have all recently reaffirmed their position against physician-assisted suicide.
We hope and pray that these medical organizations remain firm in opposing this grave moral evil, and that their joint commitment to “do no harm” will pressure the AAFP to reverse its position.
