END-STAGE EUTHANASIA

The story of the execution of Haninah ben Teradion indicated that an outside party could assist someone to an easier death® while the story of the old woman who ceased her prayers and died after three days indicated that it is permissible for the individual involved to hasten his/her death as well.* These tales alone are enough to have us rethink our position toward end-stage euthanasia. We must take a variety of matters into consideration as we review end-stage euthanasia.

Let us begin with the role of healing and the physician in our Tradition. This has evolved and changed since Biblical times and again been altered in our own age. This has led to a different role for the physician in the decisions made at the end of life. We must review our understanding of quality of life concerns and our definition of the goses.

Finally, we must consider the economic consequences of medical procedures. These will ultimately determine governmental policy. Inthe expanding American economy of the latter part of the twentieth century, economic considerations have not played a major role. Medical technology has been allowed to progress with very few restrictions. We are, however, coming to the end of that period and realize that we are among the few countries in which we can discuss these issues before economic considerations overwhelm us. How shall we balance the limited funds available for medical use with extremely expensive technologies which may add only marginally to a human life? Our Tradition, along with other religious traditions, must address this issue otherwise it will be left entirely to the utilitarian forces of government.

Each of these matters will be discussed briefly with a full realization that we can only begin, perhaps to ask appropriate questions and point to some possible solutions.