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.
