title: Do relatives have a right to witness resuscitation?
abstract: A relative's right to witness resuscitation is the subject of considerable discussion and debate. This paper explores the presence of relatives in the resuscitation room from a moral and ethical perspective. The focus of discussion is essentially upon the principle of respect for autonomy vs. what appears to be the counter-argument, benevolent paternalism. It is concluded that recognition of a relative's right to witness resuscitation is dependent upon health care professionals' willingness to promote the principle of respect for autonomy.
authors.forename: W M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Walker
mesh_terms: D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000523:psychology*; D004993:Ethics, Nursing; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005610:Freedom; D006806:Human Rights; D006801:Humans; D010362:Patients' Rooms; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D014789:Visitors to Patients / Q000523:psychology*