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The End Game
By
David Day |
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While much controversy and litigation swirls around the phrase "right to
die," what it means to critically ill patients and their legal advocates
is that they have the right to determine what treatment they will get and
what treatment they may refuse. This right takes on such great significance
because a large number of of deaths involve discussions and negotiations
between patients with acute and long-term illness, their families, and their
physicians. A balanced look at this matter takes into account not only that
patients have the right to cease treatment, but that they also have the right
to continue treatment in the face of their doctors' unwillingness to do so.
Thus, the phrase may be the "right to treatment" as much as the
"right to die"
To avoid some of the problems associated with these issues, our legislature
has enacted legislation generally known as the "Living Will Act."
Under this act, we have the right to designate if we wish to have our lives
prolonged by artificial means, if we desire artificially provided nutrition,
pain medication, etc. This act also allows for the Living Will to specify
organ donation.
For a relatively minor cost, almost anyone can obtain a Living Will. In many
cases, this can eliminate not only a significant amount of emotional turmoil
for your family, but also potentially expensive litigation as well. |
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