„Kilka uwag” w dyskusji na temat rezygnacji z uporczywej terapii

Abstract

The article attempts to answer the question: should human life always and at all costs be extended by means of medical resources? To elucidate the problem, the author discusses the following principles: the principle of basic care, the principle of double effect (applied to analgesics and sedation), the principle of accompanying the patient, the principle of respect for patient autonomy, the principle of proportionality and the principle of medical futility. Conclusion of the article is as follows: not always nor at all costs human life should be extended. Artificial prolongation of life may be immoral if the action would be done without any chance of restoring to life or would attempt to extend the agony combined with the proliferation of unnecessary suffering.