Bioethicists' Statement on the U.S. Supreme Court'sCruzanDecision

Authors:
  • BABob Arnold
    Bob Arnold
  • MAMila Aroskar
    Mila Aroskar
  • PBPeggy Battin
    Peggy Battin
  • DBDianne Bartels
    Dianne Bartels
  • TBTom Beauchamp
    Tom Beauchamp
  • DBDaniel Brock
    Daniel Brock
  • ABAllen Buchanan
    Allen Buchanan
  • ACArthur Caplan
    Arthur Caplan
  • CCCynthia Cohen
    Cynthia Cohen
  • RCRonald Cranford
    Ronald Cranford
  • RDRebecca Dresser
    Rebecca Dresser
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Abstract
On June 25, 1990, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its long-awaited decision in the case of Nancy Cruzan, the first "right to die" case to come before it. The purpose of this statement is to clarify the meaning of that case in order to prevent misinterpretation that might lead to serious adverse consequences for hopelessly ill patients, their families, and health care professionals.First, the Supreme Court affirmed the right of competent patients to refuse life-sustaining treatment.Second, the Court did not treat the forgoing of artificial nutrition and hydration differently from the forgoing of other forms of medical treatment. . . .