Death - from a Medical, Legal Perspective

Abstract

Although the medical profession is expected to deal with life and death, the definition of death and how to deal with death can be complex. As we advance in technology, ‘life-sustaining’ or ‘death-prolonging’ treatments are available. These are often applied to patients when they have lost her communication and/or decision-making capacity. Other players will then get involved: families, friends, attorneys. Examples of these delicate subjects in medical practice include determining death and eligibility for organ donation, euthanasia, end-of-life care of terminally ill patients. The medical, legal and ethical considerations of these topics will be discussed. Doctors would need opinions and directives from legal professions and general public on when and when not to act. The medical and legal profession as well as the Government have the responsibility to increase understanding and awareness of the problems, and to promote open discussion among general public.