On withholding nutrition and hydration in the terminally ill: has palliative medicine gone too far?
Open Access
- 1 September 1994
- journal article
- case report
- Published by BMJ in Journal of Medical Ethics
- Vol. 20 (3) , 139-145
- https://doi.org/10.1136/jme.20.3.139
Abstract
This paper explores ethical issues relating to the management of patients who are terminally ill and unable to maintain their own nutrition and hydration. A policy of sedation without hydration or nutrition is used in palliative medicine under certain circumstances. The author argues that this policy is dangerous, medically, ethically and legally, and can be disturbing for relatives. The role of the family in management is discussed. This issue requires wide debate by the public and the profession.Keywords
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