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Related Experiment Videos

Persistent vegetative state: a presumption to treat

P Cattorini1, M Reichlin

  • 1University of Pavia, Medical School of Varese, Department of Medical Humanities, Scientific Institute H Sau Raffaele, Milan, Italy.

Theoretical Medicine
|September 1, 1997
PubMed
Summary
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Patients in a persistent vegetative state (PVS) are still human persons, deserving of dignity and care. Minimal treatments like artificial nutrition and hydration should generally be provided, respecting their personhood.

Area of Science:

  • Bioethics
  • Philosophy of Medicine
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • The definition of personhood is debated, particularly concerning individuals with severe cognitive impairments.
  • Persistent Vegetative State (PVS) patients present a challenge to traditional views of personhood and medical ethics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the concept of personhood in relation to patients in a persistent vegetative state.
  • To argue for the continued personhood of PVS patients and the ethical justification for minimal treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Philosophical analysis of the concept of personhood.
  • Ethical argumentation regarding the treatment of PVS patients.

Main Results:

  • Personhood is argued to be coextensive with human embodiment, not the enjoyment of specific intellectual capacities.
Keywords:
Analytical ApproachAppleton ConsensusDeath and EuthanasiaProfessional Patient Relationship

Related Experiment Videos

  • PVS patients, as functioning human individuals, retain their status as human persons.
  • Minimal treatments, such as artificial nutrition and hydration, can be ethically justified as a sign of respect for human dignity.

    • Conclusions:

    • PVS patients are human persons and should be treated with dignity.
    • Artificial nutrition and hydration should generally be provided to PVS patients, with provisions for withdrawal under specific circumstances.
    • The symbolic significance of care and proximity to PVS patients is an important ethical consideration.