Euthanasia versus letting die: Christian decision-making in terminal patients.

Utilitarianism and quality-of-life considerations have increased the pressure to devalue life in terminal situations, leading to ethical confusion among caregivers. Where is the balance between a commitment to life and a commonsense willingness to "let go" when the time comes? This paper explores this balance, using a case history of a man with respiratory failure. This provides an opportunity to define and discuss some commonly misunderstood concepts related to end-of-life care. The ethical principles of terminal care are presented from the viewpoint of both secular and Christian ethics.