The Ethics of Sedation at the End of Life

Abstract

This chapter considers a number of ethical issues that are raised by sedation at the end of life (also known as palliative sedation or terminal sedation). The first sections consider terminology and whether or not some sedation practices are life-shortening. Later sections analyse whether all kinds of suffering are valid indications for sedation at the end of life, and the relation between sedation and other end of life practices such as assisted suicide and euthanasia. It is argued that whereas sedation at the end of life is in some ways distinct from other end of life practices, there are also significant overlaps in intentions and aims pursued.