The Ethical Issue of Foregoing Nutrition and Hydration in End-of-Life Care

The Ethical Issue of Foregoing Nutrition and Hydration in End-of-Life Care

End-of-life care comprises a major aspect of the modern health care system, serving those who suffer from terminal illness, a medical condition that is irreversible, or imminent death. As the aging population in the United States continues to grow at a rapid pace, along with a rising awareness of better care for the seniors in the general public over the years, end-of-life care has developed and branched-off into specific areas of care, including euthanasia, assisted suicide, and sophisticated palliative care. However, as one can imagine, decision-making in end-of-life care is not an easy process and often times concerns not only the patient, but also the immediate family members and the attending health care professionals. More times than not the process is filled with pain, suffering, and emotional distress for all of the three parties involved. The case of Mr.

Schroeder, Major Rudolph W.

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[Hank Gowdy, Dick Rudolph, Lefty Tyler, Joey Conno...

and Mrs. Rudolph requesting to pass away in a natural death by voluntarily foregoing nutrition and hydration is no exception to the scenario described above. The Ruldolphs, an elderly couple in their nineties of age yet mentally competent, have chose to move into an assisted living facility after having struggled with chronic pain due to sickness and severe immobility for years. As the pain and inability to move accentuated during their stay at the facility, the Rudolphs decide to voluntarily end their lives by refusing food and water. Mr. Black, the manager of the assisted living facility, disapproves Mr. and Mrs. Rudolphs' decision with great opposition and demands the couple to be evicted immediately. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to evaluate the ethical issue by exploring both the supporting and opposing arguments, and ultimately validate the stand that the Rudolphs withhold the right to stay in the facility...