Competent patients with advanced states of permanent paralysis have the right to forgo life-sustaining therapy.
Bernat
J L
JL
VA Medical Center, White River Junction, VT 05009.
Cranford
R E
RE
Kittredge
F I
FI
Rosenberg
R N
RN
D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology; D003243:Consciousness / Q000502:physiology; D034723:Double Effect Principle; D004989:Ethics; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008020:Life Support Care; D010243:Paralysis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D016312:Treatment Refusal; D028761:Withholding Treatment