RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Burdens of ANH outweigh benefits in the minimally conscious state
JF Journal of Medical Ethics
JO J Med Ethics
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP 551
OP 552
DO 10.1136/medethics-2012-100882
VO 39
IS 9
A1 Walter Glannon
YR 2013
UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/39/9/551.abstract
AB In the case of the minimally conscious patient M, the English Court of Protection ruled that it would be unlawful to withdraw artificial nutrition and hydration (ANH) from her. The Court reasoned that the sanctity of life was the determining factor and that it would not be in M's best interests for ANH to be withdrawn. This paper argues that the Court's reasoning is flawed and that continued ANH was not in this patient's best interests and thus should have been withdrawn.