Reasoning through the rationing of end-of-life care

An opinion piece in the January issue of the Journal of Medical Ethics starts with the premise that futile and expensive care at the end of life is widespread, that it has been a major contributor to the increasingly unaffordable cost of healthcare and that the nation is unable to provide it equitably to all.

Links:

News Release: Reasoning through the rationing of end-of-life care

Abstract, “Rights, respect for dignity and end-of-life care: time for a change in the concept of informed consent,” John Freeman, MD, Journal of Medical Ethics, January 2010

Rationing Healthcare for the Elderly: Justified?, Practical Bioethics blog, January 15