Legal Issues in End-of-life Care: Perspectives from Saudi Arabia and United States

Abstract

Aim: This paper provides different perspectives on end-of-life legal issues in Saudi Arabia, and contrasts those perspectives with current legal practice in the United States. Background: Islamic law governs end-of-life legal issues in Saudi Arabia which applies to end-of-life legal issues. There is a specific legal terminology, derived from the Qura'an, that is used to settle conflicts in end-of-life care. This contrasts with the United States which has a secular system of law that informs end-of-life issues. Data Sources: extent literature review of Muslim medical ethics; review of Shari'a law and review of US law and legal cases was used to provide both perspectives regarding end-of-life issues. Discussion: Commonalities and differences regarding end-of-life issues were highlighted in depth. Conclusions: There are many differences, and some commonalities between the laws practiced in both countries which help explain medical and nursing practice at the end of life.