[Legal limits of assisted death: exemplified by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis].
The article discusses the question to what extent the physician may offer aid in dying to the terminally ill patient. The author comes to the conclusion that the withdrawal of artificial ventilation (after application of anesthesia) is allowed and even a physician's duty if the patient refuses further ventilation. Because the competent patient may refuse treatment at any time, a doctor's willful disregard of his patient's right to self-determination could also be regarded as battery [section 110 Penal Code).
Bernat
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Institut für Bürgerliches Recht, Rechtswissenschaftlichen Fakultät, Graz.
D000690:Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / Q000523:psychology*; D001317:Austria; D004992:Ethics, Medical; D005066:Euthanasia, Passive / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D008020:Life Support Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D017236:Suicide, Assisted / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D016312:Treatment Refusal / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence