Abstract
Medical technology now can sustain basic bodily functions long after active, conscious life is gone. However, not all terminally ill patients wish to take advantage of such technology; rather, some opt to die in a natural, dignified manner. The living will allows for this choice by declaring the signer’s intent that no extraordinary means be used to prolong life should he or she suffer an illness or injury for which extraordinary care cannot provide a cure or effectuate significant recovery, and from which death is inevitable.
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References
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See Ark Stat Ann Sec 82-3803; Conn Gen Stat Ann Sec. 19a-571; Fla Stat Ch 84-58 sec. 765.07; Iowa Code ch 144A.7; La Rev. Stat. 40:1299.58.5; NM Stat Ann Sec. 24-7-8.1; NC Gen Stat Sec. 90-322; Or Rev. Stat. Sec. 97.083; Tex Stat Ann Art 4590h, Sec. 4C; Utah Code Ann Sec. 75-2-1107; Va Code Sec. 54-325.8:6.
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© 1988 Plenum Press, New York
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Shapiro, R. (1988). Ethical Implications of use of the Living Will in Care of the Terminally Ill. In: Gilmore, A., Gilmore, S. (eds) A Safer Death. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-8359-2_12
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4615-8359-2_12
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