Em busca de um consenso jurídico acerca da limitação de hidratação e nutrição nos cuidados com fim da vida

Abstract

This article aims to examine the ethical and legal possibility of limiting hydration and nutrition in the end of life care. Therefore, it distinguish situations in which artificial nutrition and hydration are kind of palliative care, basic care or special treatment, as well as situations of vital supports suspension in terminal ill and in a persistent vegetative state. In the light of current scientific knowledge, hydration and nutrition are considered as extraordinary or futile treatment, which does not contribute to the quality of life of the patient. So, its suspension is ethical and legally recognized, as a practice of orthothanasia. Finally, in case of conscientious objection, the responsible physician can refer the case to another professional able to perform the suspension of nutrition and hydration.