What emotion does the "allow natural death" (AND) directive primarily aim to alleviate?

The "allow natural death" (AND) directive primarily aims to alleviate guilt. This concept emphasizes accepting the natural course of life and death, particularly in situations involving terminal illness or end-of-life care. When families and healthcare providers embrace an AND directive, it can help reduce feelings of guilt associated with withdrawing life-sustaining treatments or making decisions that might be perceived as hastening death.

In many cases, individuals and families may struggle with the ethical implications of such decisions, fearing that they are somehow failing to fight for a loved one's life. The AND directive clarifies that allowing a natural death is a compassionate choice rather than a failure, thus alleviating the associated guilt. This approach fosters a more peaceful acceptance of death as a part of life, allowing caregivers and family members to focus on providing comfort rather than feeling burdened by the weight of their decisions.