Résumés
Abstract
This paper argues that in addressing and managing profound suffering at the end-of-life, the priority should not be the legalization of physician-assisted suicide or voluntary active euthanasia in jurisdictions where these practices are not currently available. Rather, concerted efforts should be made by society and the healthcare provider community to expand patient access to proportionate distress-relieving sedation and continuous deep sedation.
Keywords:
- medical aid in dying,
- profound suffering,
- continuous deep sedation,
- euthanasia,
- assisted suicide
Résumé
En ce qui concerne le traitement et la gestion de la souffrance profonde à la fin de la vie, cet article soutient que la priorité ne devrait pas être la légalisation de l’aide médicale au suicide ou celle de l'euthanasie active et volontaire là où ces pratiques ne sont pas actuellement disponibles. Plutôt, les professionnels de la santé et la société devraient faire des efforts concertés afin d'accroître l’accès des patients à de la sédation proportionnelle pour soulager leur détresse et à de la sédation profonde continue.
Mots-clés :
- assistance médicale à mourir,
- souffrance profonde,
- sédation continue,
- euthanasie,
- suicide assisté
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Bibliography
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