1. Legal and policy lessons from the Schiavo case: is our right to choose the medical care we want seriously at risk?
- Author
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Lazzarini Z, Arons S, and Wisniewski A
- Subjects
- Decision Making ethics, Florida, Humans, Medical Futility ethics, Medical Futility legislation & jurisprudence, Palliative Care ethics, Patient Rights ethics, Public Policy, Suicide, Assisted ethics, Suicide, Assisted legislation & jurisprudence, Terminal Care ethics, United States, Withholding Treatment ethics, Palliative Care legislation & jurisprudence, Patient Rights legislation & jurisprudence, Terminal Care legislation & jurisprudence, Withholding Treatment legislation & jurisprudence
- Abstract
The article explores the individual patient's right to refuse, withdraw, or insist on medical treatment where there is conflict over these issues involving health care personnel or institutions, family members, legal requirements, or third parties concerned with public policy or religious/ideological/political interests. Issues of physician assistance in dying and medical futility are considered. The basis and the current legal status of these rights is examined, and it is concluded that threats to the autonomy of patients, to the privacy of the doctor/patient relationship, and to the quality of medical care should be taken seriously by individuals, medical practitioners, and others concerned with developing and maintaining reasonable, effective, and ethical health care policy.
- Published
- 2006
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