Assisted Dying: Quality of Life vs Quantity of Life

      Doctors have two main aims: make patients feel better (quality of life) and make patients live longer (quantity of life).
      Which of these aims they prioritise is reflected in a doctor's position on assisted dying. 

Doctors who agree with assisted dying argue from prioritising quality of life. 
      Letting someone live just so they can suffer unbearably is considered cruel. 
      That patient's quality of life is clearly reduced.

Doctors who disagree with asissted dying argue from prioritising quantity of life.  
      Doing something that leads to a patient's death is usually seen as malpractice. 
      This patient's quantity of life is clearly reduced.

The 'Pets get euthanasia' arguement is an example of how we already accept death to save suffering in our society.
      We don't let our pets suffer if they have a health condition. If there is nothing else to be done, we euthanise them. 
      Now, most people consider themselves more important than animals. Things that are more important usually get better treatment compared to those of lesser importance. 
      So, if pets are permitted death to save their suffering, then one would think humans should be permitted it, too.

So which is the more important aim, giving life quantity or quality?
      Most people view life as important, and doctors often work to prevent people dying, so allowing assisted dying is contrary to both beliefs and practices. Plus a doctor saving a patient must be far more rewarding than simply treating them. When preventing people from death fits with these observations, no wonder some doctors prioritise quantity of life.
      But most healthcare is focused on quality of life with medication, operations, physio and occupational therapy. These things help a person's life to get better. When quality of life in the bulk of healthcare, no wonder some doctors prioritise it.
      Yes, participating even slightly in a patient's death isn't ideal. Curing them perfectly would be grand. But we don't live in an ideal world, so letting a doctor's idealism keep patients suffering is cruel.