The rule of double effect--a critique of its role in end-of-life decision making

Abstract

According to the rule of double effect, the goal of relieving the patient's pain and suffering is good, but the means chosen to achieve the goal is wrong within the moral system that prohibits the intentional killing of innocent persons.11 ,12 The word "intentional" suggests, however, that the deaths of innocent persons may be permissible if brought about unintentionally.