On withholding nutrition and hydration in the terminally ill: has palliative medicine gone too far? A reply

Article Abstract:

Terminally ill cancer patients generally stop oral intake, raising moral and ethical concerns over whether such patients should be provided artificial feeding and fluid replacement. There is no substantial evidence showing that increased nutritional intake has a positive effect on dying patients. However, other treatable but potentially fatal complications in patients who are not dying imminently can mimic the natural stop of intake and so symptoms of dehydration, not present in those dying, should be checked. The decision to continue or cease treatment should be based on detailed analyses of gains and risks.

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Artificial hydration and alimentation at the end of life: a reply to Craig

Article Abstract:

Gillian Craig raised ethical and legal concerns about palliative medical services but these are largely based on an incomplete understanding of the services. She uses two incomplete examples to indicate that artificial hydration and alimentation can delay the natural dying process and withholding the same can cause death. Actually, patients who can be treated using those processes are given them during palliative care. However, patients without thirst or hunger would unnecessarily be subjected to discomforts if hydration and alimentation were implemented and could actually die faster.

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Palliative care - a euthanasia-free zone?

Article Abstract:

The palliative care movement in the UK has become linked to anti-euthanasia views. It has become a dominant philosophy that the principles palliative care, which involves the care of patients with diseases unresponsive to treatment, are contradictory to euthanasia. However, it is argued that this philosophy does not reflect the views of all palliative care professionals and that the availability of palliative care does not eliminate the desire of some patients to end their life.

Analysis, Ethical aspects, Euthanasia, Medical ethics

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