From BBC: A German doctor has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of 13 cancer patients who died from suspected overdoses of pain-killing drugs. A tearful Mechthild Bach, 59, said her actions to lessen her patients' pain had not shortened their lives. She said all the patients had been close to death, and that she had been helping them to live in dignity. It is the second time she has stood trial; a first trial collapsed in 2008 when one of the judges fell ill.
Dr Bach has suggested the charges might have arisen because of mistakes in her paperwork, as she did not document certain consultations with the patients in question.
Dr Bach has suggested the charges might have arisen because of mistakes in her paperwork, as she did not document certain consultations with the patients in question.
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- News, Max and Jason: Still Up, dream on
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- Health, Crime, Current Events, Death With Dignity + add
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- jcub
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Here in Oregon we have the nation's only Death with Dignity legislation, allowing terminally-ill patients to seek medication to end their suffering. Although clearly controversial, Oregon voters have twice reaffirmed their commitment to personal autonomy and upheld the law. This procedure is heavily regulated, and one needs more than 6 months and three doctors in order to procure the medication...
Obviously, this doctor did the wrong thing by trying to fly under the radar. But, is it really wrong for one to end their own life with the help of their doctor?
