6. Society

Laws shape the choices that are available:

• 49 of the 50 states have laws prohibiting physician-assisted suicide.
• All 50 states prohibit active euthanasia measures.
• All 50 states have laws authorizing some form of advance directive, although the particulars vary from state to state.
• Professional practice acts and drug prescription laws limit patient access to medicines they might use to end their life.
• Judges and Juries must decide whether - and how severely -to punish people who violate the prohibition on helping people die.

Created by Glenn C. Graber - last updated March 8, 2003
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