What is it about?
What happens when a patient requests euthanasia, but the doctor feels morally unable to provide it? This review examines the ethical debate on conscientious objection in end-of-life care, presenting arguments on both sides and emphasizing the need for respectful dialogue beyond polarization.
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Why is it important?
As more countries debate euthanasia laws and doctors face ethical dilemmas about compliance or objection, our review offers timely insights. Using a robust method across multiple databases without language limits, it provides a broader, nuanced view to inform balanced policies and guidelines.
Perspectives
Writing this article was a meaningful step in my doctoral journey, bringing together my experience as a physician and my interest in ethics at the end of life. Conscientious objection is often seen in black-and-white terms, but I wanted to explore the deeper ethical tensions behind it. I hope this review helps spark more thoughtful and respectful conversations—among healthcare professionals, patients, and policymakers alike.
Carlos Gomez-Virseda
Associatie KU Leuven
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Conscientious objection in euthanasia and assisted suicide: A systematic review, PLOS One, June 2025, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0326142.
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