End-of-life Care: Law, Ethical principles, and Jewish Medical Ethics

Abstract: Consistent with appropriate clinical practice and professional regulations, Jewish medical ethics espouses beneficence, non-maleficence, justice, and autonomy. The principles of Jewish medical ethics and the intersection with secular law as it pertains to end-of-life (EOL) care in patients are addressed. The exploration of a methodology and doctrine to cover instances when Jewish ethics clashes with clinical judgment is explored. Issues such as refusal of treatment, terminal illness, withholding and withdrawing treatment, informed consent, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and do-not-resuscitate orders, advance directives, nutrition and hydration, and others are discussed. A comparison of Jewish and secular principles in EOL care and differences among Jewish sects is included