[Medical progress, ethics, and euthanasia: the case of neonatal intensive care]

Failing to define what is meant by euthanasia often complicates the ethical debate, and exacerbates the conflict between supporters of different views. The scientific and technological progress of modern medicine may lead to difficult dilemmas when available treatment can only prolong the process of dying, or achieve survival at the expenses of severe residual disability. As an example, the case of neonatal intensive care is discussed on the basis of the results provided by an international research project (EURONIC) aimed at investigating end-of-life decision-making in several European countries.