The more passive, and currently legal in all 50 states, approach is when a patient decides to sign a DNR. This allows “competent adult patient makes an informed decision to refuse life sustaining treatment” (Starks). DNR’s are legal in almost every state because the patient has technically already died, and they just don’t want doctors to prolong their death any longer. The other legal option is palliative sedation. Palliative sedation is when doctors stop all treatment. This includes CPR, antibiotics, and the removal of life support. The method that is considered active is when a doctor gives a patient a lethal dose of pain medication that allows them to die without any pain. This method is illegal in most states in the U.S. The distribution of these medicines is where the conflicting opinions on this matter come
The more passive, and currently legal in all 50 states, approach is when a patient decides to sign a DNR. This allows “competent adult patient makes an informed decision to refuse life sustaining treatment” (Starks). DNR’s are legal in almost every state because the patient has technically already died, and they just don’t want doctors to prolong their death any longer. The other legal option is palliative sedation. Palliative sedation is when doctors stop all treatment. This includes CPR, antibiotics, and the removal of life support. The method that is considered active is when a doctor gives a patient a lethal dose of pain medication that allows them to die without any pain. This method is illegal in most states in the U.S. The distribution of these medicines is where the conflicting opinions on this matter come