In 1987, the World Medical Association (WMA) distinguished the differences between patient autonomy and euthanasia. Be it euthanasia or physician assisted suicide; both are acts of deliberately ending the life of a patient via medication. Even though it is at the patient's own request or at the request of close relatives, euthanasia is deemed unethical.
In 1992, WMA reaffirmed physician-assisted suicide, like euthanasia, to be unethical; however, the right to decline medical treatment is considered a basic right for the patient. A physician will not be deemed to act unethically for respecting a patient’s right to decline medication, even if this results in death. Allowing natural death to occur is not considered unethical.
