Legal and Ethical Concerns in Treating Kidney Failure: Case Study Workbook

Once dialysis treatment, in 1960, permitted life prolongation for some but not all patients in kidney failure, an ‘ethical genie' was released. The introduction of peritoneal dialysis and kidney transplantation compounded the physician's dilemma by underscoring those left untreated. Who should be selected for uremia therapy? Should exclusion from treatment be properly delegated to administrators or physicians, or better left to a committee? Are some candidates more worthy than others? As ex...