[Euthanasia, catastrophic disease and the moribund patient]

Euthanasia has always constituted a controversial subject, but has recently been revived by a good number of well meaning intellectuals, many of whom, by and large, are not physicians. The present resurgence of this matter is due, primarily, to the prevalence of modern medical technology that makes it possible to maintain a futile life, often vegetative in nature, for an extended and even indefinite period of time. This is a complex situation that must be focused from different angles, one of which can be attributed to the conflict often experienced by physicians who have to deal with the management of catastrophic illness and realize how impotent they may be to achieve such difficult task. Another important aspect is the prospect of the greater degree of dehumanization that can arise from the management of patients with a devastating and incurable sickness. We feel that the ethical and healthy answer to this issue lies on the norm that advises health-care takers to convey optimal palliative care and constant emotional support to the sick persons and their families.