ABSTRACT
This conclusion presents some closing thoughts on the concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book. The book provides the importance and role of an appropriate legal framework to guide specialist palliative care practices. It discusses of the legitimacy of the distinction between specialist palliative care practices and euthanasia, as well as reflecting on the influence of human rights in palliative care. The book argues that the reliance on double effect as a justification for palliative sedation reinforces the suggestion that there is a link between euthanasia and specialist palliative care. It examines several rights which have a prominent role in upholding human dignity. The book also examines the legal framework in Ireland, England and Wales, the Netherlands, and France. It investigates the General Medical Council, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, failings of the Liverpool Care Pathway, and attempts to legislate for palliative care.
