Abortion, health, and the law

Article Abstract:

The Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003 passed by Congress and signed by President Bush will probably have little impact. Doctors estimate that only 0.17% of the one million abortions done in the US in 2000 were partial-birth abortions. However, this law could lead to other laws banning other medical procedures just because someone thinks they are "gruesome and inhumane." Partial-birth abortions are those that are done after 20 weeks of pregnancy, in the second trimester.

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Inserting government between patient and physician

Article Abstract:

The federal government entered the physician-patient relationship in 2003 by passing a law banning partial-birth abortions. A partial-birth abortion is one that is done after 20 weeks of pregnancy. The law was passed because this type of abortion is perceived as gruesome, but many medical treatments are uncomfortable and unpleasant. Doctors should not be forbidden to prescribe certain treatments just because lawmakers believe the treatment is unpleasant.

Editorial

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The big chill--Inserting the DEA into end-of-life care

Article Abstract:

The Justice Department filed a case against the risk of empowering agents of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), whose traditional role is to prevent drug abuse and diversion, in order to evaluate the end-of-life practices of physicians whose patients die while receiving prescribed opioids or barbiturates. A finding in favor of the Justice Department would have a chilling effect on physicians' willingness to treat patients' terminal symptoms.

Public affairs, Ethics, Medicine, Terminal care, Ethical aspects, Powers and duties, Medical practice, United States. Drug Enforcement Administration

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