A Jewish Approach to End Stage Medical C
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This responsum examines Jewish approaches to end-stage medical care within the framework of Conservative Jewish law and methodology. The study employs a comprehensive legal analysis of traditional Jewish sources while acknowledging the significant differences between contemporary medical realities and historical precedents. The methodology emphasizes applying general theological and legal concepts from Jewish heritage to current medical conditions rather than literal interpretation of ancient texts. The analysis distinguishes between sustaining life and prolonging the dying process, arguing that Jewish law establishes a strong policy favoring life preservation but not an inviolable rule requiring treatment under all circumstances. Key findings indicate that Jewish law permits consideration of patient benefit as the primary criterion for determining appropriate care, rather than merely the ability to maintain organ function. The study concludes that when aggressive treatment offers little chance of cure and involves considerable patient suffering, Jewish law does not mandate such intervention. The responsum advocates for a character-based ethical approach that incorporates both general principles and specific contextual factors, emphasizing the importance of patient-physician collaboration in treatment decisions. This analysis contributes to Conservative Jewish bioethics by providing a framework for addressing contemporary end-of-life care decisions while maintaining authentic connections to traditional Jewish legal concepts and values.

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Published 1991
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Elliot Dorff