Ethical Aspects of Active Treatment Discontinuation

Abstract

This work deals with euthanasia and with active treatment discontinuation, mainly from philosophical-ethical, but partly also from juridical perspective. The first part presents historical development in understanding of euthanasia. The central part explains some main concepts: detailed analysis of euthanasia concept, including its branching. Then I explain the active treatment discontinuation, which includes letting die (with desire not to reanimate as its main form) and active healing refusal (the most common issue is the discontinuation of hydration and of nourishment). Another important aspect of the end of life care is palliative care, which I discuss next. This is followed by presentation of some juridical arguments concerning this topic; in particular, how the issues of euthanasia and active treatment discontinuation are regulated in Slovenia. I conclude with an analysis of the ethical recommendations for decision-making in end of life care.