RESUMO
The term LTE (Limitations on Therapeutic Efforts) refers to the withholding or withdrawing of medical treatment to a patient (either with or without capacity to decide) who does not clinically benefit from it. Although some countries already have legislation and official documents to formalize it, there are several reasons limiting the dissemination and acceptance of this proposal. One is the fact that physicians and health institutions consider this issue as the sole responsibility of patients; another reason is that physicians and the community in general believe the discussion refers just to elderly and terminal patients. It is necessary an academic approach on LTE from both, physicians and the community in general, to promote a sound ethical reflection so as to assist patients and their relatives in the hard task of becoming autonomous to decide and plan their futures.