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Right to Die

Right to Die
Right to Die

“Right to die” refers to various issues related to the decision of whether an individual should be allowed to die, when s/he could continue to live with the aid of life support, or in a diminished or enfeebled capacity.  It also refers to the idea that a person with a terminal illness should be allowed to commit suicide before death occurs or should have the right to refuse to have his/her life extended by artificial or heroic means.  This may be done by withdrawal of feeding tubes and other artificial means of life support from a terminally ill person.  The concept of “right to die” is often referred to as dying with dignity.

A patient’s treatment decision can be made known ahead of time by executing a living will or a Do Not Resuscitate order.  Usually patients exercising the “right to die” will have also made explicit their wish to receive only palliative care to reduce pain and suffering.


Inside Right to Die