The Sanctity of Social Life: Physicians' Treatment of Critically Ill Patients.

Abstract

For years, speculation has been mounting among lawyers, church leaders, social scientists, and the general public over the question of prolongation of life and the critically ill patient's right to die. But what is the physician's attitude toward this controversial subject? Under what conditions does a doctor battle to save the life of the patient, and when does he decide to withdraw medical treatment and allow death to occur? The answers to these questions form the basis for a fascinating reexamination of the nature of death and dying, as seen from the physician's point of view.