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. 2024 Mar;21(1):19-27.
doi: 10.1007/s11673-023-10256-5. Epub 2023 Jul 19.

Brain-Computer Interfaces, Completely Locked-In State in Neurodegenerative Diseases, and End-of-Life Decisions

Christopher Poppe  1 , Bernice S Elger  2   3
Affiliations

Brain-Computer Interfaces, Completely Locked-In State in Neurodegenerative Diseases, and End-of-Life Decisions

Christopher Poppe et al. J Bioeth Inq. 2024 Mar.

Abstract

In the future, policies surrounding end-of-life decisions will be faced with the question of whether competent people in a completely locked-in state should be enabled to make end-of-life decisions via brain-computer interfaces (BCI). This article raises ethical issues with acting through BCIs in the context of these decisions, specifically self-administration requirements within assisted suicide policies. We argue that enabling patients to end their life even once they have entered completely locked-in state might, paradoxically, prolong and uphold their quality of life.

Keywords: ALS; Assisted suicide; Brain; End of life; Locked-in state; Withdrawing treatment; computer interfaces.

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Conflict of interest statement

None

References

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