Final answer:
False, Proxy decision-makers should not equate the quality of life of a patient with the value of the patient's life for others, since ethical considerations are complex and multifaceted involving utilitarianism, care ethics, and justice.
Step-by-step explanation:
Proxy decision-makers must consider a range of ethical principles, such as utilitarian considerations which prioritize the greatest happiness for the majority, care ethics that focus on compassion and understanding between all parties involved, and principles of justice that demand equitable treatment in healthcare decisions. The Utilitarian perspective, particularly Act Utilitarianism, might consider the immediate consequences of providing or withholding treatments based on the happiness or suffering caused. Rule Utilitarianism would consider the longer-term consequences of such actions on trust in healthcare. Conversely, care ethics emphasizes the emotional bonds and moral values that hold sway in decision-making processes, arguing for a collective and empathetic approach. In the context of end-of-life care, these considerations become especially complex and require balancing personal needs with ethical standards and societal expectations, such as those involved in the debates surrounding euthanasia. Hence, proxy decision-makers should not merely equate an individual's quality of life with the value of their life to others but engage with these multifaceted ethical considerations.