Patient Autonomy and Death with Dignity

THE rapid advance in medical technology over the past two decades has raised serious questions about patient autonomy and the right to die with dignity. This article will attempt to examine psychologic issues affecting decision making in these areas. Attempts to answer these questions have come from many quarters: legal, ethical and religious, as well as medical. The lay public and press have also participated actively in this dialogue.Both legislatures and the courts have attempted to clarify these issues. Many states have enacted laws providing for "living wills" — legal documents that give patients the right to refuse heroic . . .