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All the same I fear what happens when we expand the…

“All the same I fear what happens when we expand the terrain of medical practice to include actively assisting people with speeding their death. I am less worried about the abuse of these powers than I am about dependence on them.” quote by Atul Gawande
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““All the same I fear what happens when we expand the terrain of medical practice to include actively assisting people with speeding their death. I am less worried about the abuse of these powers than I am about dependence on them.””

Atul Gawande

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker worries that expanding medical ability to hasten death may create societal reliance on such interventions, more than the risk of misuse.

In simple terms: Fear of becoming dependent on assisted death rather than abuse.

Key Takeaway

Consider ethical limits of life‑ending care.

Themes

ethics medicine death technology dependence

Mood

concerned reflective

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • palliative care decisions
  • policy debates
  • clinical practice
  • family discussions

Key Concepts

bioethics patient autonomy medical power

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance autonomy with societal safeguards?
  • What safeguards protect against over‑reliance?
A Different Perspective

The quote may overlook the potential for safeguards and patient‑centered decision making.

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