AboutPaul D. Friedman, M.A., Ph.D., J.D. Expertise I have a master's degree in bioethics which inlcudes medical and research ethics. In addition to a law degree, I have a doctorate of philosophy in comparative ethics involving medicine, law and business. I also am an Adjunct Professor at a medical school.
I can answer questions related to the ethics of withholding, instituting or withdrawal of life support.
Experience Experience in the area I have been a practicing trial attorney since 1989 plus I have a master's degree in bioethics and a doctorate of philosophy regarding comparative ethics. I am also an Adjunct Professor at a medical school where I teach current providers and students medical ethics.
Organizations State Bar of Arizona
State Bar of Colorado (inactive)
District of Columbia Bar (inactive)
Federal Bar
Licensed in Arizona District Court
Licensed in Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Licensed in the United States Supreme Court American Bar Association National Board of Trial Advocacy
American Association for Justice
Arizona Trial Lawyers Association
American Society for Bioethics and Humanities Kennedy Institute of Ethics National Association of Realtors
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Arts 1985
Juris Doctorate 1989
Master of Arts in Bioethics 2004 Doctorate of Philosphy 2006
Awards and Honors Phi Beta Kappa
Multiple Who's Who
Publications A list of my copyrighted publications and presentations is contained at WWW.EXPERTETHICS.COM
Question I am a Registered Respiratory Therapist and am currently moved in with my 82 yr old Mother who suffers from COPD/CHF. She is under Hospice Care.
I have begun SLOWLY giving her oral Morphine(5mg)but deep down I know this will suppress her respiratory system. The morphine immediately stops any wheezing she has. The nebs make her throat sore and so she does not like to take them unless absolutely necessary. She is very fatigued at all times. She has suffered from this for the last 8 yrs but new onset of AFIB in June really depleted any quality of life for her.
How do you get over the guilt of feeling as if you are killing your loved one?
Answer Julie,
There is no easy answer. The question you have to ask yourself is how would your mother like to live. If you feel she would wish to be treated palliatively, then you are doing the right things even if it hastens her death. If you think she would rather have pain and not inhibit her breathing, then you may wish to discontinue the morphine.
It sounds as if you are enhancing her wishes by cutting down her pain and anxiety. You are treating her out of kindness and you are not killing her, the disease process is killing her.
I wish you the best. I went through a similar experience with my mother before she died.
