Decisions for the End of Life

In the context of end-of-life treatment

People are subjected to multiple decisions to make together with those that love them. This article analyzes three circumstances under which victims may be exposed; a point at which they may be compelled to make such choices or coerced to make them. Euthanasia, hospice, and palliative care are three such cases. End-of-life choices are compared on the basis of their causative causes, social and economic ethical conditions, and legal ramifications for each of them. Euthanasia remains a hotly debated and contested option in end-of-life care. Patients, especially those suffering from terminal illness have requested assisted suicide as a way of escaping from their suffering. Caregivers have reported contests from religious, cultural, and ethical reasoning as a basis upon which this idea is deemed inapplicable (Math & Chaturvedi, 2012). In addition, the caregivers’ professional laws and codes of ethics do not contain conclusive decisions on euthanasia.

Palliative and hospice care

Palliative and hospice care are two other options that people can be subjected to. Dying persons have a legal right, like any other person, to acquire high-quality care services. There are more instances of hospice care than those of palliative care. Hospice care is provided within the domestic settings. In such cases, family members provide additional psychosocial support to the patient (Meier, 2011). In addition, additional costs associated with hospital admissions are avoided. The care services are still provided by the palliatives. Palliative care is institution-based. In this case, higher fees have to be incurred by the family members. Most families above the poverty level would prefer this approach out of the belief that the services are more professional.

In conclusion

This essay ranks hospice as the best among the three decisions that one would make in end-of-life care. This is because it does not distort the families in question. Furthermore, it is more cost-effective and legally recognized. Unlike euthanasia that leaves the family members psychologically disturbed, hospice care strengthens the social bond. Even though palliative care would also rank higher, cost constraints make hospice care the best decision among the three alternatives.

References

Math, S. B., & Chaturvedi, S. K. (2012). Euthanasia: Right to life vs right to die. The Indian Journal of Medical Research, 136(6), 899–902.

Meier, D. E. (2011). Increased Access to Palliative Care and Hospice Services: Opportunities to Improve Value in Health Care. The Milbank Quarterly, 89(3), 343–380. http://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-0009.2011.00632.x