What ethical concerns arise with end-of-life care?

End-of-life care presents significant ethical concerns, particularly surrounding issues of autonomy and informed consent. These concepts are fundamental to respecting patients' rights and preferences as they approach the final stages of life.

Autonomy refers to the right of patients to make decisions about their own healthcare based on their values and beliefs. In the context of end-of-life care, this means that individuals have the right to choose their treatment options, including the decision to refuse or discontinue treatment, and they should be fully informed about the implications of their choices. Informed consent demands that patients understand their condition, prognosis, and the potential benefits and burdens of various medical interventions, ensuring they can make choices aligned with their own wishes.

While the rights of healthcare providers, challenges of resource allocation, and confidentiality of patient records are important aspects of healthcare ethics, they do not directly address the deeply personal and individual decisions that patients face regarding their own end-of-life care. Thus, patient autonomy and informed consent are central concerns that need to be honored and upheld in these sensitive situations.