Weaning from ventilatory support in critically ill patients in terminal stage of organ dysfunction represents one part of the process of withdrawing organ support techniques. The principal aim of weaning of mechanical ventilatory support is not enhancing the process of dying, but withdrawing that part of therapy that in medically futile situations when stress, pain, dyscomfort and suffering associated with prolonged ventilatory support are not outweighed by benefit with respect to the outcome in unfavourable prognosis in critically ill patient with irreversibly damaged integrity of organ functions. The process of weaning from mechanical ventilation is performed step-by-step, decreasing ventilation parameters; the less frequent technique is terminal extubation. Provided all necessary conditions and prerequisities are fulfilled; terminal weaning is both ethically and medically accepted management which is in accordance with current legislation and could not be denominated as euthanasia

        Key words: terminal illness – weaning from ventilatory support – ethical principles – legislation