Treatment Limitation Decisions Under Uncertainty: the Value of Subsequent Euthanasia

This article examines how decisions to limit treatment to critically ill patients under uncertainty can be made rationally. The theory of expected utility is studied as a rational justification for euthanasia. This paper argues that a policy of treating critically ill patients until the nature of future options can be better evaluated, in company with an offer of subsequent euthanasia where appropriate, allows a more rational &humane approach to treatment limitation decisions under uncertainty.(AK)