[Feeding a terminal patient, sustaining treatment and respecting the right to die]

Great changes have occurred in the doctor-patient relationship--in medical and social scopes. Lately, there are deliberations regarding whether to withdraw nutrition from a terminal patient. This question raises the basic issues of respecting the patient's wish and his autonomy. Nourishment through the digestive system may prolong life; however, the decision concerning this dilemma differs from country to country. The Jewish religion has its own position on the matter. The patient knows the doctor has no conflict between trying to help or kill and continues to fully trust the physician. Whenever nourishing or treating a terminal patient, the doctor should be assisted by the family's decision or a psychiatric resolution. Actually, there is rarely conflict between the evaluation of the treating physician, the position of the family and the court's decision.