Publisher's Synopsis
This book deals with decisions to withhold or terminate medical treatment and maintains that properly understood therapy abatement is wholly distinct from euthanasia. Whilst defending the principle of autonomy in the face of over-treatment it is argued that mechanisms to extend patient autonomy to cover post-competent states should not be promoted as euthanasia devices. Arguments which maintain a distinction between euthanasia and the withholding or withdrawal of futile therapy occupy the early chapters of the book. These arguments are followed by a critical assessment of current regulations and proposals concerning advances, directives and living wills. Subsequent chapters examine the ethical controversies surrounding ?do not attempt to resuscitate? orders, proposals to withhold nutrition and hydration for patients in persistent vegetative states, health-care rationing, criteria for determining futile therapy, physician autonomy, and patient autonomy.
