This presentation by Dr. Shahid Athar, a medical ethicist, explores the principles of biomedical and Islamic medical ethics, focusing on end-of-life issues from an interfaith perspective. Dr. Athar discusses the challenges in ethical decision-making, particularly in cases involving end-of-life care, and provides three case studies to illustrate these complexities. Key points include: - **Medical Ethics**: The decision-making process involves choosing between multiple options, often in gray areas, and balancing what can be done with what should be done. - **Islamic Medical Ethics**: Emphasizes saving life and seeking cure, with principles like 'Whoever saves a human life has saved the life of the whole mankind' and the importance of necessity overriding prohibitions. - **Interfaith Perspective**: Highlights the shared values of most religions in upholding the sanctity of human life and dignity of the dying, emphasizing the need to respect and understand different cultural and religious beliefs. - **Case Studies**: 1. A family dispute over a DNR order for a patient in the ICU, where an imam was consulted to resolve the conflict. 2. A conflict between a surgeon and anesthesiologist over a DNR order in a patient with a temporary condition, highlighting the importance of re-evaluating advance directives. 3. A cultural dispute over consent in a pregnant immigrant woman, where the husband's role as a cultural leader was significant. The presentation underscores the importance of communication, consultation, and respect for diverse cultural and religious values in end-of-life decision-making.This presentation by Dr. Shahid Athar, a medical ethicist, explores the principles of biomedical and Islamic medical ethics, focusing on end-of-life issues from an interfaith perspective. Dr. Athar discusses the challenges in ethical decision-making, particularly in cases involving end-of-life care, and provides three case studies to illustrate these complexities. Key points include: - **Medical Ethics**: The decision-making process involves choosing between multiple options, often in gray areas, and balancing what can be done with what should be done. - **Islamic Medical Ethics**: Emphasizes saving life and seeking cure, with principles like 'Whoever saves a human life has saved the life of the whole mankind' and the importance of necessity overriding prohibitions. - **Interfaith Perspective**: Highlights the shared values of most religions in upholding the sanctity of human life and dignity of the dying, emphasizing the need to respect and understand different cultural and religious beliefs. - **Case Studies**: 1. A family dispute over a DNR order for a patient in the ICU, where an imam was consulted to resolve the conflict. 2. A conflict between a surgeon and anesthesiologist over a DNR order in a patient with a temporary condition, highlighting the importance of re-evaluating advance directives. 3. A cultural dispute over consent in a pregnant immigrant woman, where the husband's role as a cultural leader was significant. The presentation underscores the importance of communication, consultation, and respect for diverse cultural and religious values in end-of-life decision-making.