Deep and Continuous Palliative Sedation Without Artificial Nutrition and Hydration: An International Review

Abstract

Deep and continuous palliative sedation combined with withholding or withdrawal of artificial nutrition and hydration (“PSs̄ANH”) is a medical process regularly used in end-of-life care to alleviate suffering. But in contrast to other end-of-life options like VSED and MAID which have been the subject of significant commentary and policy attention, PSs̄ANH remains largely unexamined. This Article fills this gap by clarifying the legal status and medical practice of PSs̄ANH in twelve jurisdictions around the world.