Who makes the judgment that life-sustaining treatment and care are ethically proportionate or disproportionate?
The patient, either directly or indirectly through a Health Care Agent, is ultimately responsible for the decision. Morally, the patient or Health Care Agent must take account of what the medical evidence indicates with the help of physicians and other health professionals. With this information, the patient or Health Care Agent must act to fulfill the obligation to conserve life with treatment and care that are appropriate for the particular condition of the patient, have a reasonable hope of benefit, and are not excessively burdensome.
