Christian perspectives on palliative sedation: a literature study

Area of Science:

• Bioethics
• Medical Ethics
• Religious Studies

Background:

• Christianity historically values the dignity of life and care for the sick and dying.
• Major Christian traditions (Anglican, Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant) oppose active life-ending treatments like euthanasia.
• The stance of Christian traditions on palliative sedation, used to alleviate refractory symptoms by lowering consciousness, is less defined but crucial for decision-making.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically determine the positions of the four major Christian traditions on palliative sedation.
• To understand how religious beliefs influence end-of-life care decisions regarding palliative sedation.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive and systematic literature review was conducted.
• The study analyzed official church documents, academic discourse, and bioethical debates within each tradition.

Main Results:

• Explicit positions on palliative sedation were found within each of the four major Christian traditions, though sources are scarce.
• Positions were identified in official church documents, academic discussions, and broader bioethical debates.

Conclusions:

• A positive yet cautious attitude towards palliative sedation exists across the four major Christian traditions.
• While acknowledging its role in alleviating suffering, caution stems from concerns about the blurred line with euthanasia and potential issues related to lowered consciousness.
• Palliative sedation should be employed judiciously and only when medically necessary.