Christian and Indian religions on palliative sedation: a scoping study

Though especially in the last decade, much work has been done on various aspects of palliative sedation, little attention has been given to the role played by religious beliefs and traditions. Since the attitudes and decisions of patients, family members, and caregivers can be deeply influenced by religion when faced with severe suffering at the end of life, it is important to know the views of these traditions regarding palliative sedation. This study discusses and compares normative views in Christian denominations (Anglicanism, Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, Protestantism) and Indian religions (Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism).