[Should we hydrate terminally ill patients?].

Terminally ill patients frequently have difficulties with fluid and food intake. The indication of artificial hydration in these patients has been subject of intense debate in the past years and the clinical practice widely varies, mostly based on anecdotal data and not on clinical evidence about risks and benefits associated to artificial hydration in terminal patients. There are not only technical questions concerning benefits and risks associated to artificial hydration, but also questions related to the ethical principles and values involved.

Human genetic enhancement: is it really a matter of perfection? A dialog with Hanson, Keenan, and Shuman.

The author reviews the arguments made by Mark Hanson, James Keenan, S.J., and Joel Shuman in this issue.