title: On discontinuing dialysis.
abstract: Ethical issues relating to the withdrawal of dialysis are discussed, comparing dialysis with other life-support systems, particularly artificial ventilation. It is argued that there is no ethical difference between discontinuing treatment in each case. One practical difference between the two is that patients with chronic renal failure are less likely to have reduced autonomy, and so can engage in discussions with their doctors regarding the situations in which their life-supporting treatment might be discontinued. It is argued that doctors caring for patients on dialysis have an ethical duty to discuss with these patients the circumstances in which they may wish to discontinue dialysis.
authors.affiliation: Ransom Hospital, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wight
mesh_terms: D002423:Cause of Death; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D008020:Life Support Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D028681:Moral Obligations; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D040841:Resource Allocation; D015996:Survival Rate; D028761:Withholding Treatment