It is essential to redefine the Hippocratic Oath once more because the revised version allows for a loose interpretation of the document, the original version does not allow for circumstance to influence decision, and the revised version gives the physician too much power. The Hippocratic Oath is a sacred document created by Hippocrates 3000 years ago. The oath is taken by physicians to ensure that they will uphold certain ethical standards. The original document states, “I will not give a lethal drug to anyone if I am asked nor will I advise such a plan.” This statement is not open to interpretation; euthanasia and assisted suicide is against all ethical standards and should not be legalized. In 1964, however, the Hippocratic Oath was revised by Louis Lasagna, Dean of the school of medicine at Tufts University, to challenge that ideal. The new document states, “It may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play as God.” This statement gives too much power to the physicians and allows for a loose interpretation.

Although it is aged, the Hippocratic Oath is essential today because it creates unity in the guidelines for physicians. “Guidance on the ethical principles of medical practice is as necessary today as ever” (Catto 4). It is essential to have a document that contains strict ethical guidelines for a procedure that ultimately ends the life of a patient. The Hippocratic Oath must be redefined because it is a powerful document. The original version had the power to ethically shame the practice of euthanasia and assisted suicide. This great power created problems because it did not allow for circumstance. The current version of the document gives the physician too much power to influence the patient. This also creates the problem that euthanasia and assisted suicide can easily be justified because of the loose interpretation of the current document.

I am proposing a revision because there should be a balance between the two ideals found in both the original and current version. It should be a difficult and lengthy process to participate in the practice of euthanasia and assisted suicide. However, it should not be impossible to participate due to circumstance. Everyone is different, and everyone should explicitly have the right to experience their life as they choose. A revision of the Hippocratic Oath would accomplish my goals because it is a “sacred” document that is upheld by those in the medical field (Holmboe 87).

I propose that the new version be created by the dean of every medical school, if they wish to participate. I also propose that the new version is put to a vote by the dean of all of the medical schools. This will provide variety and unity.