Terminal Sedation

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Abstract
In attempting to equate the medical practice of terminal sedation with euthanasia, Orentlicher (Oct. 23 issue)1 argues from the premise that terminal sedation can be a form of euthanasia, but his conclusions follow only if terminal sedation is a form of euthanasia. He admits that terminal sedation may not be morally equivalent to euthanasia under certain circumstances, yet he insists on stating that “terminal sedation is often a type of euthanasia.” Such a claim is empirical and should be demonstrable, but the author offers no evidence in support of it.