Explaining Withholding Treatment, Withdrawing Treatment, and Palliative Sedation

"Three terms that may arise in end-of-life care discussions are ‘withholding treatment’, ‘withdrawing treatment’ and ‘palliative sedation’. They are often misunderstood and sometimes confused with physician-assisted suicide or euthanasia.  Understanding these terms can assist in decision-making and ensuring quality of life.

Palliative care is about achieving the best quality of life until the end of life.  Each person’s situation, experience of illness, goals of care and approach to care are unique. Many factors influence the decision to withhold treatment, withdraw treatment or make use of palliative sedation. Each requires discussion and agreement between the patient and health care providers. If patients are not able to participate in these discussions, family members or substitute decision-makers are involved on their behalf.   "



Explaining Withholding Treatment, Withdrawing Treatment, and Palliative Sedation