2
Introduction
What is permissible when a patient's medical condition is serious but not
terminal? What are the options for a person whose quality of life has become seriously
diminished, but who is not at the "end of life?" Pastors and church members who serve
on ethics committees in our health care system are often faced with end of life issues.
Many of these situations involve a patient who is terminally ill or permanently
unconscious. Most states have advance directive laws and specific criteria for dealing
with such matters. But what should happen when a patient who does not meet the criteria
wants to die?
A study of relevant court cases that deal with this issue can be instructive for
ethics committees. The present study discusses those cases at length and seeks to draw
conclusions that can offer some guidance. First, however, we need to review some of the
basic tenets of medical ethics and touch base with foundational principles derived from
the Scriptures. Our quest includes interaction with the rich history of ethical ideals and