ETHICAL ISSUES IN END OF LIFE CAREEthical Issues of End-of-Life Care End of Life is affected by many circumstances. There are many ethical and legal ramifications to consider due to medical advances that can prolong the life span of many terminally ill individuals. Doctors are all too often under the public spotlight for the ethical and legal dilemmas they face in end-of-life care.” (Thorns, A. (2010). Ethical and legal issues in end-of-life care. Clinical Medicine, 10(3), 282-285.). Of the many ethical issues surrounding life carethe most fundamental concepts must be known. To be able to accurately assess and analyze ethical concepts one must understand the ethical ramifications involved with autonomous decision making, advanced directives and futility.It is My Decision “Decision-making” for end-of-life care has gained importance as it can prolong human life with the support of medical technologies or can let the natural death process continue by foregoing the treatment option. Respecting autonomy isn’t equal to making a choice. Asking a patient “do you want to die at home?” is a choice. A person's right to self-determination is the starting point to many ethical dilemmas.Respecting autonomy has limits, brought into focus by the Mental Capacity Act 20051 and the increased emphasis on a patient's choice. The doctor needs to recognize these limits, being mindful of other responsibilities: to benefit and not harm the patient, and to use resources justly.
