Medicine
Palliative Sedation Protocols in End-of-Life Care
Quick fact
Palliative sedation is offered to about 15% of terminal patients, yet it remains one of the most ethically debated practices in medicine, even though it is distinct from euthanasia.
Why this is interesting
In the final days of life, pain and agitation can be so severe that the usual medications fail. What if the only way to bring peace is to give a drug that clouds consciousness—and maybe hastens death?