Opiate use and euthanasia

Without adequate guidance from health care professionals, many terminally ill patients and their caregivers question the appropriate use of morphine and other opiates at the end of life. When is the medicine palliative and when is it euthanizing? The answer is found in timing, dosage, and intent. Pain is one of the greatest concerns for people with a terminal prognosis. The fear of suffering and loneliness can cause tremendous distress, exacerbating already grave physical symptoms. Euthanasia o

Without adequate guidance from health care professionals, many terminally ill patients and their caregivers question the appropriate use of morphine and other opiates at the end of life. When is the medicine palliative and when is it euthanizing? The answer is found in timing, dosage, and intent. Pain is one of the greatest concerns for people with a terminal prognosis. The fear of suffering and loneliness can cause tremendous distress, exacerbating already grave physical symptoms. Euthanasia o…