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Although the article by Brett and Jersild¹ on the effect of religious conviction on end-of-life decisions was from a Christian perspective, it may be useful for physicians dealing with Muslims as well. Throughout my work in acute medicine in an Islamic country and in talking with some of my colleagues, we have encountered similar situations. Relatives of patients, and occasionally physicians also, may come up with arguments similar to those outlined by Brett and Jersild to justify futile therapy. Therefore, their recommended approach and proposed counterarguments may be applicable. Fortunately, scenarios such as those given by Brett and Jersild are uncommon in our practice. Most people follow the logical interpretation. Thus, religious conviction has facilitated acceptance of physicians' recommendations near the end of life rather than obstructed it.

Abdullah Mobeireek, FRCP, FCCP
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

1. Brett AS, Jersild P. "Inappropriate" treatment near the end of life: conflict between religious convictions and clinical judgment. Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:1645-1649. FREE FULL TEXT

Arch Intern Med. 2004;164:916.

RELATED ARTICLE

"Inappropriate" Treatment Near the End of Life: Conflict Between Religious Convictions and Clinical Judgment
Allan S. Brett and Paul Jersild
Arch Intern Med. 2003;163(14):1645-1649.
ABSTRACT | FULL TEXT