This article examines the evolution of state and federal legislation and co
urt opinions in the 1990s concerning treatment abatement and assisted suici
de. The recent Supreme Court decision on assisted suicide is summarized, an
d its rejection of a recognized constitutional right to assisted suicide is
explored. Additionally, surveys of the opinions of nurses, physicians, and
the public regarding the permissibility of assisted suicide are evaluated.
The contradictions between public opinion and some federal and state legis
lation are highlighted and discussed.