Quill v. Vacco 117 S. Ct. Assisting in a suicide is not the same as refusing life-sustaining treatment. The law has long used actors' intent or purpose to distinguish between two acts that may have the same result. In Glucksberg, the Chief Justice relied extensively upon the New York State Task Force and its analysis. These are matters long settled by New York's legislative laboratory in Albany but could be revived in future Assembly and Senate sessions.
People fear the process of dying.
Such theater gives focus to life and the burdens of living. Washington v. Glucksberg 117 S. Ct. 1, tit. 2, art. Indeed, the two acts are widely and reasonably regarded as quite distinct. Reflections The Supreme Court decision raises enormous concerns for governments to grapple with care and curing.