life support?

Question

Do people have the right to decide if someone should stay on an life support system?

Answer 1

Yes, in most areas they do have that right. People of all ages should have a living will in place along with an appointed power of attorney for health care decisions. This POA should know the patient's wishes and speak for him should he be unable to speak for himself. If there is no chance of leading a productive life most people prefer to be released from the physical prison of a body that no longer serves their needs. Would you want to be on life support for year after year, being fed by tubes, kept alive by nothing but machinery? Not I. Just because we have developed technology to keep a body alive does not mean that person is actually living since living entails more to most of us than lying in a bed without hope or dreams left to support our days.

Answer 2

It depends on the situation. Most who can decide for themselves are best off with a medical POA, they can choose their own route, or can appoint someone to make that choice in the event they can't later. Normally without one, next of kin must decide.

The situation is getting more and more complicated however, there was recently a case of a baby being removed against parental wishes when the family could not cover medical care for the disabled child... and Texas is embroiled in what could eventually become a right-to-life issue. (IE: if they can do it to a baby, will they eventually be able to do it to all who can't pay out of pocket and can't afford long term care insurance.)

Answer 3

not sure if they do in all states...But my bother in law was on life support in tn...and once the doctors told us his chances his next of kin had to decide whether to leave him on or turn off the machines...hope this helps ask at the hospital