Battles with Integrity

"I'm not certain that I want to place the power of ending life in the hands of physicians."

I don't see it that way. The decision - the power - to end life woudl still be in the hands of the sufferer. The doctor may be the tool, but the POWER would still remain with the only person who has the right to make that decision.

It is not a decision I would personally make, regardless of the pain. For myself, I would always err in favor of hope. But I do understand the perspective of one who has nothing to look forward to for the next several months except pain or unconsciousness choosing to put an end to that, and to the incredibly steep cost of maintaining his/her life to no perceivable outcome except death.

Also, the family should be allowed to get on with grieving, and then get on with living their own lives.

Naturally, there should be some very specific legal/medical conditions in place for those considering euthenasia. Degree of suffering and treatability not least among them.