Euthanasia versus letting die: Christian decision-making in terminal patients.
Utilitarianism and quality-of-life considerations have increased the pressure to devalue life in terminal situations, leading to ethical confusion among caregivers. Where is the balance between a commitment to life and a commonsense willingness to "let go" when the time comes? This paper explores this balance, using a case history of a man with respiratory failure. This provides an opportunity to define and discuss some commonly misunderstood concepts related to end-of-life care. The ethical principles of terminal care are presented from the viewpoint of both secular and Christian ethics.
Sullivan
Dennis
D
Cedarville University, Cedarville, OH, USA.
D002835:Christianity; D028601:Euthanasia, Active / Q000941:ethics*; D005066:Euthanasia, Passive / Q000941:ethics*; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent / Q000941:ethics; D033182:Intention; D018447:Medical Futility; D010358:Patient Participation; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations / Q000941:ethics; D017236:Suicide, Assisted / Q000941:ethics; D019452:Terminally Ill; D026712:Value of Life