With the advancement in medical technologies and therapies, Americans live much longer now than ever before. Indeed, many Americans believe that any disease, condition, or injury can be fixed or cured by modern medicine. This session will explore some of the unintended and unforeseen consequences of current medical treatment. In our efforts to prolong life, have we also prolonged the dying process and suffering of some of our patients? Over the past two decades, we have seen physician-assisted suicide presented as the solution to relieve the suffering of dying Americans. This session will explore the development of this concept and will offer alternative solutions in the form of palliative care, including palliative sedation.