How do we die?

• DOI: 10.1017/pls.2016.12
• Publication Date: 2016-12-29T10:19:09Z
• Authors: Bonnie Stabile; Aubrey Grant
• Keywords: Bioethics; Dignity; Credence; Right to die; Assisted suicide; End-of-Life Care

Within the next two decades, elderly population in United States will reach its zenith, comprising 73 million individuals, 20 percent of nation, baby boomers' final surge. The process their dying may become contentious. Should policymakers and bioethicists be satisfied with our current approach to dying, or should they begin now reconceptualize it? We distill end-of-life discussions bioethics literature popular press, paying particular attention physician-assisted suicide uptake where legal. Evidence so far indicates that few opt for this alternative, suggesting role assuring “death dignity” cannot be, as have been hoped, a leading one. on whole lends credence fear most along families physicians, muddle through morass uncoordinated options, futile medical intervention prominent outcome — despite more palliative strategies, such home hospice care, being favorably described. found no reason recommend persistence good urge early, conscientious, thoroughgoing reconceptualization policy practice well theory.