To the Editor.
—I was astounded that you chose to publish "It's Over, Debbie."1 Euthanasia, whether voluntary or not, is not an acceptable medical practice.2 Neither is it legal, as a glance at the laws against murder will reveal.
I find it ironic that at a time when physician participation in state-ordered executions has been criticized, the anonymous resident is willing to offer eternal rest to some of his patients.3,4 The physician involved has no business practicing medicine and may shortly find himself behind bars.
Physicians have no special status with regard to criminal statutes. The deliberate and intentional killing of a patient is a homicide. Although a murder prosecution may be "a poor way to design an ethical and moral code for physicians who are faced with decisions concerning the use of costly and extraordinary 'life support' equipment," it is the right way to pursue homicide.
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