Bioethics/Sanctity of Human Life: Medical Decision-Making/End of Life Issues

Thanks to developments in medical technology, many Americans are living longer and healthier lives. Today, patients diagnosed with diseases and conditions that once were fatal now have a fighting chance to survive due to a variety of medical interventions and treatments. We have more options and more choices than ever before!

With options and choices, however, come difficult decisions. Life sustaining interventions that provide the support needed to help a loved one recover from a stroke or heart attack can also, in some circumstances, interfere with the natural dying process. How can you know the difference?

Medical decisions at the end of life can be complex and will vary from patient to patient. The more information you have, the more educated your decision will be, whether as a patient or a family member.

Features

Lessons I Learned from Terri Schiavo

I never met Terri Schiavo but in some ways, she changed my life. I never heard her speak a word but her living and dying clarified truth for me in unexpected ways. Her life and death impacted how I view life and death, and decisions that are made in the crossing.