Withholding and Withdrawing Treatment 

Withholding medical treatment means not starting a treatment that could prolong life, such as a ventilator or a feeding tube. Withdrawing medical treatment means stopping a treatment that is already in progress, such as dialysis or antibiotics. Both types of decisions are ethically and legally acceptable, as long as they respect the patient's autonomy, best interests, and informed consent. Understanding withholding and withdrawing medical treatment is important for health care professionals, patients, and their families, because it can help them to communicate effectively, avoid conflicts, and ensure that the patient's wishes and values are honored.