Living wills in Michigan. Why the time is right.
This issue of Michigan Medicine marks a turning point in MSMS posture regarding advance directives ("living wills"). For many years, MSMS has discussed the issue and has supported legislation, more or less behind the scenes. We are now involved in a more proactive stance, trying to encourage more discussion and wider use of these devices, whether or not legislation is enacted. In this article I will: 1) review some basic terms and ethical principles; 2) recount the deliberations of the MSMS Committee on Bioethics on this topic; and 3) indicate why the time is now ripe for more action by Michigan physicians.
Brody
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Center for Ethics and Humanities in the Life Sciences, Michigan State University.
D016223:Advance Directives; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D016224:Living Wills / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D008824:Michigan; D016414:Resuscitation Orders