Let’s Talk About Palliative Sedation

A quiet right worth knowing about.

At the end of life, pain sometimes becomes unmanageable. The dying person has terminal agitation or is clearly suffering in ways that medicine can no longer reverse. When that happens, there remains one final form of mercy.

It’s called palliative sedation, and every American has the right to request it. Unfortunately, many don't even know to ask for it.

What is Palliative Sedation?

Palliative sedation is the careful use of medication to lower consciousness in someone who is imminently dying. Its sole purpose is to relieve suffering that cannot otherwise be controlled.

It’s not assisted suicide.

It’s not euthanasia.

Why are some people against it? A small number of individuals and hospice groups oppose palliative sedation because they believe that it conflicts with their mission to provide care without hastening death.

Other medical professionals believe they can manage most symptoms effectively without sedation.

And lastly, some people oppose palliative sedation on religious grounds. They are…