Deciding to Forego Life-Sustaining Treatment
Deciding to Forego Life-Sustaining Treatment
Deciding to Forego Life-Sustaining Treatment
Deciding to Forego Life-Sustaining Treatment
Deciding to Forego Life-Sustaining Treatment
Deciding to Forego Life-Sustaining Treatment
Trending Bestseller

Deciding to Forego Life-Sustaining Treatment

A Report on the Ethical, Medical, and Legal Issues in Treatment Decisions

U. S. Government

No reviews yet Write a Review
Paperback / softback
21 March 2006
$42.00
In Stock: Ships in 3-5 Days
In Stock: Ships in 7-9 Days
Hurry up! Current stock:
icon Share icon Share
Description  
Americans seem to be increasingly concerned with decisions about death and dying. Why is a subject once thought taboo now so frequently aired by the popular media, debated in academic forums and professional societies, and litigated in well-publicized court cases?Perhaps it is because death is less of a private matter than it once was. Today, dying more often than not occurs under medical supervision, usually in a hospital or nursing home. Actions that take place in such settings involve more people, and the resolution of disagreements among them is more likely to require formal rules and means of adjudication. Moreover, patients dying in health care institutions today typically have fewer of the sources of nonmedical support, such as family and church, that once helped people in their final days.Also important, no doubt, are the biomedical developments of the past several decades. Without removing the sense of loss, finality, and mystery that have always accompanied death, these new developments have made death more a matter of deliberate decision. For almost any life-threatening condition, some intervention can now delay the moment of death. Frequent dramatic breakthroughs-insulin, antibiotics, resuscitation, chemotherapy, kidney dialysis, and organ transplantation, to name but a few-have made it possible to retard and even to reverse many conditions that were until recently regarded as fatal. Matters once the province of fate have now become a matter of human choice, a development that has profound ethical and legal implications.Moreover, medical technology often renders patients less able to communicate or to direct the course of treatment. Even for mentally competent patients, other people must usually assist in making treatment decisions or at least acquiesce in carrying them out. Consequently, in recent years there has been a continuing clarification of the rights, duties, and liabilities of all concerned, a process in which professionals, ethical and legal commentators, and-with increasing frequency-the courts and legislatures have been involved.Thus, the Commission found this an appropriate time to reexamine the way decisions are and ought to be made about whether or not to forego life-sustaining treatment. For example, may a patient's withdrawal from treatment ever be forbidden? Should physicians acquiesce in patients' wishes regarding therapy? Should they offer patients the option to forego life-sustaining therapy? Does it make any difference if the treatment has already been started, or involves mechanical systems of life support, or is very costly?
Customer reviews  

This product hasn't received any reviews yet. Be the first to review this product!

Write a Reviews
Flat Rate Shipping  
Easy Returns  
$42.00
In Stock: Ships in 3-5 Days
In Stock: Ships in 7-9 Days
Hurry up! Current stock:
icon Share icon Share
Flat Rate Shipping  
Easy Returns  

Deciding to Forego Life-Sustaining Treatment

$42.00

Description

Americans seem to be increasingly concerned with decisions about death and dying. Why is a subject once thought taboo now so frequently aired by the popular media, debated in academic forums and professional societies, and litigated in well-publicized court cases?Perhaps it is because death is less of a private matter than it once was. Today, dying more often than not occurs under medical supervision, usually in a hospital or nursing home. Actions that take place in such settings involve more people, and the resolution of disagreements among them is more likely to require formal rules and means of adjudication. Moreover, patients dying in health care institutions today typically have fewer of the sources of nonmedical support, such as family and church, that once helped people in their final days.Also important, no doubt, are the biomedical developments of the past several decades. Without removing the sense of loss, finality, and mystery that have always accompanied death, these new developments have made death more a matter of deliberate decision. For almost any life-threatening condition, some intervention can now delay the moment of death. Frequent dramatic breakthroughs-insulin, antibiotics, resuscitation, chemotherapy, kidney dialysis, and organ transplantation, to name but a few-have made it possible to retard and even to reverse many conditions that were until recently regarded as fatal. Matters once the province of fate have now become a matter of human choice, a development that has profound ethical and legal implications.Moreover, medical technology often renders patients less able to communicate or to direct the course of treatment. Even for mentally competent patients, other people must usually assist in making treatment decisions or at least acquiesce in carrying them out. Consequently, in recent years there has been a continuing clarification of the rights, duties, and liabilities of all concerned, a process in which professionals, ethical and legal commentators, and-with increasing frequency-the courts and legislatures have been involved.Thus, the Commission found this an appropriate time to reexamine the way decisions are and ought to be made about whether or not to forego life-sustaining treatment. For example, may a patient's withdrawal from treatment ever be forbidden? Should physicians acquiesce in patients' wishes regarding therapy? Should they offer patients the option to forego life-sustaining therapy? Does it make any difference if the treatment has already been started, or involves mechanical systems of life support, or is very costly?

Customers Also Viewed

Discover Books for Every Interest at BookLoop

Discover your next great read at BookLoop, Australia's trusted online bookstore offering a vast selection of titles across various genres and interests. Whether you're curious about what's trending or searching for graphic novels that captivate, thrilling crime and mystery fiction, or exhilarating action and adventure stories, our curated collections have something for every reader. Delve into imaginative fantasy worlds or explore the realms of science fiction that challenge the boundaries of reality.

Books on Hobbies, Crafts, Gardening, and More

For those with a green thumb, our comprehensive range of gardening books provides insights and tips for all levels of enthusiasts. If you're aiming to enhance your financial acumen, our selection of finance, business, and management books offers valuable knowledge from industry experts. Craft lovers will appreciate our assortment of handicrafts, decorative arts, and crafts books, perfect for inspiring your next project. Engage your mind with our collection of hobbies, quizzes, and games books, or explore the mystical with our fortune-telling and divination guides.

Transport, Contemporary Fiction, and Picture Books for Kids

Transportation aficionados can immerse themselves in our extensive transportation books, including detailed works on road and motor vehicles. Young readers are not left out, with a delightful array of picture books and early learning concepts designed to educate and entertain. Fans of contemporary narratives will find compelling stories in our contemporary fiction section. Embark on epic journeys with our fantasy and science fiction titles, or gain inspiration from real-life tales in our biographies and true stories collection. Health-conscious readers can explore our health and wholefood cooking books, focusing on specific diets and conditions.

School Books, Teacher Resources, and Academic Textbooks

Textbooks for Primary, Secondary, and Higher Education

BookLoop proudly supports the educational needs of students and schools across Australia. Our textbook collection includes school books and teacher resources for every phase from primary school books, secondary school books, and essential titles for TAFE courses, vocational training, and university study. Each book is selected to align with curriculum outcomes and classroom needs, making it easy for schools and teachers to plan ahead.

Teacher Resources and Classroom Support Materials

From structured lesson planning to engaging student activities, our wide range of school books and teacher resources provides essential tools for educators. You’ll also find dedicated school and preschool teacher materials designed for early years education, classroom support, and intervention. Teachers can access a reliable selection of workbooks, literacy and numeracy programs, assessment tools, and professional development guides all in one place.

Books for Early Learning Centres and Childcare Professionals

Support the earliest stages of education with our curated range of early childhood care and education books. These titles are ideal for early learning centres, preschools, and childcare settings, offering age-appropriate resources that build foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and emotional development. Families and educators alike trust our resources for quality, clarity, and classroom effectiveness.

Bulk Book Orders for Schools and Educational Institutions

We make bulk school book orders simple and efficient. Schools, libraries, and early learning centres can rely on BookLoop for competitive pricing, fast shipping, and expert support when sourcing large quantities of textbooks and educational materials. Whether you’re restocking for a new term or ordering resources for an entire class, our bulk ordering system ensures convenience and accuracy every step of the way.

Stay Up to Date with Book Trends

Explore our new releases for the most recent additions in romance books, fantasy books, graphic novels, crime and mystery books, science fiction books as well as biographies, cookbooks, self help books, tarot cards, fortunetelling and much more. With titles covering current trends, booktok and bookstagram recommendations, and emerging authors, BookLoop remains your go-to local australian bookstore for buying books online across all book genres.

Explore the Latest and Most Loved Books

Stay updated with the literary world by browsing our trending books, featuring the latest bestsellers and critically acclaimed works. Explore titles from popular brands like Minecraft, Pokemon, Star Wars, Bluey, Lonely Planet, ABIA award winners, Peppa Pig, and our specialised collection of ADHD books. At BookLoop, we are committed to providing a diverse and enriching reading experience for all.