title: Competent patients with advanced states of permanent paralysis have the right to forgo life-sustaining therapy.
authors.affiliation: VA Medical Center, White River Junction, VT 05009.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Bernat
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Cranford
authors.forename: F I
authors.initials: FI
authors.lastname: Kittredge
authors.forename: R N
authors.initials: RN
authors.lastname: Rosenberg
mesh_terms: 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