Who lives, who dies, who decides?

The financial costs of the ethical dilemmas in the health care industry are profound, and the emotional ramifications for the patient and family are even more costly. As critical care nurses and as health care consumers, we must create an impetus for change. We need to ensure that we contribute to the quality of life while dealing with the conflicting values inherent in the right-to-die question. Together, we can create an ethical practice environment for ourselves, our families, and the patients for whom we care.