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Journal of Medical Ethics logoLink to Journal of Medical Ethics
. 1994 Sep;20(3):188-91, 194. doi: 10.1136/jme.20.3.188

In defence of ageism.

A B Shaw 1
PMCID: PMC1376507  PMID: 7996567

Abstract

Health care should be preferentially allocated to younger patients. This is just and is seen as just. Age is an objective factor in rationing decisions. The arguments against 'ageism' are answered. The effects of age on current methods of rationing are illustrated, and the practical applications of an age-related criterion are discussed. Ageist policies are in current use and open discussion of them is advocated.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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