Islamic Considerations on the Application of Patient’s Autonomy in End-of-Life Decision
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2018
Abstract
In end-of-life situation, the need for patient’s preference comes into the picture with the intention of guiding physicians in the direction of patient care. Preference in medical directive is made by a person with full mental capacity outlining what actions should be taken for his health should he loses his competency. This is based on the reality of universal paradigm in medical practice that emphasises patient’s autonomy. A specific directive is produced according to a patient’s wish that might include some ethically and religiously controversial directives such as mercy killing, physician-assisted suicide, forgoing life-supporting treatments and do-not-resuscitate. In the future, patient autonomy is expected to become prevalent. The extent of patient autonomy has not been widely discussed among Muslim scholars. In Islam, there are certain considerations that must be adhered to.
Keywords
Advance medical directive, Do-not-resuscitate, End of life, Euthanasia, Islam, Mercy killing, Physician-assisted suicide
Divisions
DeptofFiqhUsul,fac_med
Publication Title
Journal of Religion and Health
Volume
57
Issue
4
Publisher
Springer