The Rule of Double Effect: A Critique of Its Role in End-of-Life Decision Making
This chapter provides a commentary on the role of the ethical principle known as the “rule of double effect” in end-of-life clinical decision making. It discusses the rule's religious and philosophical origins and highlights its inconsistencies with current law and its shortcomings as a practical clinical guide. The chapter also proposes alternative principles to guide physicians in end-of-life decision making.
Keywords: double effect, decision making, end of life, ethical principle, clinical guide
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