SUMMARY
The subject of physician-assisted suicide for the terminally ill is becoming a major topic of public policy discussion. The state of the current law-what the law is, how it is enforced, and changes throughout the United States-as well as recent challenges or changes to the law and the actual incidence of the practice are discussed. Situations in which the author concludes that such practices should be legalized and needed safeguards for abuse are described. Other issues which must be addressed, including improved communication by physicians, better medical management of terminal illness, recognition of depression and limitations on access to handguns are discussed.