Ethical Implications of End-Of-Life Decisions

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7202/1112289ar

Keywords:

bioethics, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, autonomy, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario

Language(s):

English

Abstract

This paper examines the recent policy update by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario (CPSO), which allows physicians to override patient wishes for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) without consent. It critically analyzes the ethical implications of this shift, emphasizing the juxtaposition between the legal protections for patient’s Last Wills and the relatively diminished safeguarding of their end-of-life care preferences. The paper highlights the potential for bias in physician decision-making, the risk of reverting to a more paternalistic healthcare model, and the challenge of balancing patient autonomy with medical authority. The study underscores the need for a nuanced approach to healthcare policy that respects patient autonomy while addressing the complexities of end-of-life decisions.

(c) Han Han Li

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Published

2024-06-21

How to Cite

[1]
Nemetz E, Huang RS. Ethical Implications of End-Of-Life Decisions. Can. J. Bioeth 2024;7:172-4. https://doi.org/10.7202/1112289ar.

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 2-3 (2024): Open Issue & CBS Workshops

Section

Perspectives

License

Copyright (c) 2024 Elisheva Nemetz, Ryan S. Huang

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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