This article argues that although there may exist morally valid reasons to
justify assisted suicide in some cases, establishing state or national poli
cies legalizing assisted suicide is morally unjustified. Five arguments are
examined that support the position against legalization: consequentialist
arguments, arguments about who could legitimately choose assisted suicide a
nd when it could be chosen, the incompatability of assisted suicide policy
and authentic self-determination; the probable lack of efficacy of assisted
suicide in a managed care environment, and the effects of assisted suicide
on the profession and practice of nursing. The article ends with a discuss
ion of alternatives to assisted suicide legislation that might accomplish i
n large part what is sought by such legislation.