What is a "good death"?

A. Steinberg

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

Question: Every human being is mortal; the question is, however, what is the most appropriate way to die? Discussion: There is no one answer to this question. This dilemma is not primarily a medical or scientific dilemma, but rather a social, ethical, religious, legal and cultural dilemma. Hence, caring for the dying patient by families and health professionals is a challenging task. This dilemma should be resolved by experts in the fields of ethics, religion and law. Conclusion: In general, a "good death" is how an autonomous person wishes it to be, within the limits of societal norms and values. In all circumstances there is a moral-religious duty to provide palliative care to the dying (actually to every) patient in order to alleviate pain and suffering.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)658-660
Number of pages3
JournalNotfall und Rettungsmedizin
Volume15
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Autonomy
  • Ethics
  • Quality of life
  • Slippery slope argument
  • Terminal care

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