End-of-life decisions

Few areas of medical ethics raise such strong and diverse views as issues concerned with the end of life. National debates flare over concerns such as euthanasia and advance directives (living wills). Within the medical profession, there is continuing questioning of the right policies for 'do-not-resuscitate' orders, and concern over the distinctions in both theory and practice between easing and hastening death. Some members of the public appear worried that doctors may try too hard to keep them alive, whereas others fear the reverse. Clear thinking is a prerequisite to good policy and good practice. Medical care of patients close to the end of their life requires not only a thorough understanding of the scientific aspects of medicine, but also a clear analysis of values and an understanding of the law.