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Does compassion for a family justify providing futile CPR?

Journal of Perinatology volume 30, pages 770–772 (2010)Cite this article

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The purpose of cardiopulmonary resuscitation is the prevention of sudden, unexpected death. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is not indicated in certain situations, such as in cases of terminal irreversible illness where death is not unexpected or where prolonged cardiac arrest dictates the futility of resuscitation efforts. Resuscitation in these circumstances may represent a positive violation of an individual's right to die with dignity.1

American Heart Association Report on CPR (1974)

The purpose of cardiopulmonary resuscitation is the prevention of sudden, unexpected death. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is not indicated in certain situations, such as in cases of terminal irreversible illness where death is not unexpected or where prolonged cardiac arrest dictates the futility of resuscitation efforts. Resuscitation in these circumstances may represent a positive violation of an individual's right to die with dignity.1

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Theology, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA

    J J Paris

  2. Department of Surgery, MacLean Center for Clinical Ethics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA

    P Angelos

  3. Department of Pediatrics, MacLean Center for Clinical Ethics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA

    M D Schreiber

Authors
  1. J J Paris
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  2. P Angelos
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  3. M D Schreiber
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Correspondence to J J Paris.

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Paris, J., Angelos, P. & Schreiber, M. Does compassion for a family justify providing futile CPR?. J Perinatol 30, 770–772 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2010.105

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