Should someone with a mental illness be able to make their own medical decisions?

Question

If someone has a mental illness and they become physically ill. They are of right mind, but choose not to live anymore because their illness is potentially terminal. There are treatments out there, such as chemotherapy and medications with terrible side effects, should that person be granted to right to make their own decisions about their life?

I think yes. But I want to see what you think.

Answer 1

They would have the same rights as anyone else unless they have been declared legally incompetant. Then the legal guardian would have that decision.

Or, if the person had waived that right by giving another person durable power of attorney.

Answer 2

Mentally ill people can make medical decisions, providing that the mental illness has been treated, and the person has been taking their medication. Then I would say yes. They have the right to make the decision if they want to prolong life.

Answer 3

It depends; on how old they are, and the extent of their mental illness.

If the person is of legal age and their mental illness is under control, then yes, they have the right to decide.

Answer 4

I think the psychiatrist should determine if the extent of the mental illness does or does not impair their judgment enough to make their own decisions.

Answer 5

Yes, if they aren't so ill that they would be declared mentally incompetent by a court of law, its their life and their choice.

Answer 6

of course depending on the situation, if it has to deal with hurting yourself then no, but when i saw my psychiatrist she was putting me on new medication, i had a say in the matter cuz she asked me do you want to be put on it, i said i didnt care, but if i said no then i dont no what the outcome would have been, afterall only14

Answer 7

yes, it's their life (or death)