Orthothanasia is regulated in Brazil through Resolution 1805/2006. This study aimed to reflect on and discuss the practices of limitation or withdrawal of life support in situations of terminality, using contributions from bioethics. Ten oncologists working in the Federal District's public health service participated. A semi-structured interview framework directed the themes to be investigated. The data were assessed by means of content analysis. Almost all of the participants had a conception of orthothanasia and euthanasia compatible with the literature. Seven doctors knew the FCM Resolution and three mentioned the legal weakness of a regulation originating from a professional body. Eight doctors said that the regulation of the issue would not greatly affect their daily practice. Bioethical principles like autonomy, beneficence, non-harmfulness and justice may contribute towards elucidation of dilemmas regarding removal or limitation of life.
Death; Terminality; Orthothanasia; Life support; Bioethics