A problem for the idea of voluntary euthanasia

I question whether, in those cases where physician-assisted suicide is invo ked to alleviate unbearable pain and suffering, there can be such a thing a s voluntary euthanasia. The problem is that when a patient asks to die unde r such conditions there is good reason to think that the decision to die is compelled by the pain, and hence not freely chosen. Since the choice to di e was not made freely it is inadvisable for physicians to act in accordance with it, for this may by contrary to the patient's genuine wishes. Thus, w hat were thought to be cases of voluntary euthanasia might actually be inst ances of involuntary euthanasia.