Based on 103 community votes, the most popular answer to “Should I Respect My Dad's Wish to Stop Dialysis?” is “Support his wish and stop treatment” — chosen by 32% of voters.
Category: health • Theme: Personal Autonomy vs Family Hope
I’m struggling with whether to support my father’s decision to stop dialysis treatments. He’s 81 and has been fighting kidney failure for two years. The doctors said there’s no cure, but the treatments keep him with us. Recently, he told me privately that he’s tired—really tired—and wants to stop. He says he’s made his peace and just wants to be comfortable at home. My brother thinks we should push for every possible chance and try to change Dad’s mind, while my mother vacillates between wanting to let him go peacefully and worrying it’s just depression clouding his judgment. Part of me wants to honor Dad’s autonomy, especially since he’s never been one to let others decide for him. But I’m also haunted by worry—what if he gives up just days before something could improve, or what if we later regret not fighting for more time? I’ve found myself lying awake, picturing future birthdays and milestones that might happen without him. I’m terrified I’ll let him down, but I also feel wrong ignoring his clearly expressed wish. The whole family keeps looking to me for my opinion and it’s tearing me apart inside. What would YOU do?
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