Ethics-Governance: Article: THE PRINCIPLE OF DOUBLE EFFECT QUESTIONED

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THE PRINCIPLE OF DOUBLE EFFECT QUESTIONED THE PRINCIPLE OF DOUBLE EFFECT QUESTIONED Dr Paulina Taboada Profesor Centro de Bioetica Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile Alameda 340 Correo Central 1 Santiago, Chile In an article published in the Lancet Oncol the application of the doctrine of double effect to palliative care has been questioned (Sykes N & Thorns A: The use of opioids and sedatives at the end of life, Lancet Oncol, 2003; 4: 312 – 18). The authors conclude that this ethical principle is “irrelevant to symptom control at the end of life” (p. 317). They even suggest “to exaggerate its involvement perpetuates a myth that satisfactory symptom control at the end of life is inevitably associated with hastening death.” (p. 317). Based on a bibliographical review, the authors show that there is no cogent evidence to support the view that an appropriate use of opioids, or sedatives, at the end of life may actually shorten a patient’s life. Full Article: http://www.hospicecare.com/Ethics/monthlypiece/eithics2004/pom_jan04.htm


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