more from Jonathan Glover

Single Idea 4684

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / F. Life Issues / 2. Euthanasia]

Full Idea

It is often suggested that medical intervention which goes beyond easing pain or distress is not saving life but 'prolonging the act of dying'.

Gist of Idea

Maybe extreme treatment is not saving life, but prolonging the act of dying

Source

Jonathan Glover (Causing Death and Saving Lives [1977], §15.6)

Book Reference

Glover,Jonathan: 'Causing Death and Saving Lives' [Penguin 1982], p.197


A Reaction

This is an important idea to keep in mind, but still a very difficult call to make. It needs to be presented to those who fight for life, at any cost in money, time, medical resources, or suffering. May people probably give up unnecessarily.