Ethics roundtable debate: Withdrawal of tube feeding in a patient with persistent vegetative state where the patient's wishes are unclear and there is family dissension

DOI

10.1186/cc2451

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

4-1-2004

Publication Title

Critical Care

Volume

8

Issue

2

First Page

79

Last Page

84

ISSN

13648535

Keywords

Autonomy, Ethics, Surrogate, Withdrawing (life support), Withholding (life support)

Abstract

The decision to withdraw or withhold life supporting treatment in moribund patients is difficult under any circumstances. When the patient becomes incompetent to clarify their wishes regarding continued maintenance in long-term facilities, surrogates sometimes cannot agree, further clouding the issue. We examine a case where the State's interests come into play, forcing a controversial resolution.

Open Access

Gold

Share

COinS