Physician-Assisted Death

There are many reasons that a person who has a terminal illness may think about ending their life.

A person who is dying may worry about not having control over their fate or how they die. They may also worry about being helpless or a burden to others. They may not realize that loved ones want to provide care. For them, it may be a way to express their love and may be part of their own healthy grieving.

Sometimes when a person with a terminal illness thinks about physician-assisted death, their symptoms are not being managed well. But symptoms like pain and depression can be managed. Talk to your health professional and family about your symptoms. This is even more important if your symptoms bother you so much that you're thinking about ending your life.