title: The right to die--ethical dilemmas in persons with spinal cord injury.
abstract: The right to die can be a controversial topic, and health care workers in the rehabilitation setting may find themselves in the center of this heated debate. This article presents a case study of a patient with tetraplegia, Daniel, and his choices regarding life and death. The case study will be examined through the use of ethical principles as well as from a legal standpoint. Social, cultural, and economic issues are also discussed. Guidelines for possible resolution to the conflict are offered.
authors.affiliation: SCI Unit, Craig Hospital, Englewood, Colorado, USA.
authors.forename: Jeanine M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Rundquist
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003657:Decision Making; D005066:Euthanasia, Passive / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D028662:Principle-Based Ethics; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000523:psychology; D012297:Right to Die / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014481:United States