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Physician-assisted suicide

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

Physician-assisted suicide is a medical process where a physician provides a terminally ill patient with the means to end their own life, typically through the prescription of lethal medication. The practice is legal in some jurisdictions and involves strict eligibility criteria, including terminal illness and mental competency.

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