This court case brought a lot of attention to other facets of the refusal of healthcare. Policies about the medical assisted suicide have been debated in relation to this case. Not many people were healthy that the state gained such power from this ruling to interfere in what many believe to be a family's personal decision. Many aren't comfortable with having to gain state permission to let go of a loved one who can't give the word for themselves. The meaning and completion of her life should be controlled by persons who have her best interests at heart -- not by a state legislature concerned only with the "preservation of human life." (Cruzan v Director, Missouri Department of Health)
The case also helped to generate support for the Congressional passage of the Patient Self-Determination Act.It was effective November 1991, when hospitals and nursing homes that receive Medicaid or Medicare funds must give patients written information about advance directives, explaining what right-to-die options are available under their state law. Most states now have laws providing a way for people to make known, in advance, their wishes about medical treatment (Lewin 1).
Other cases that referenced the Cruzan case were Gonzales v Oregon and Washington v. Glucksberg. These cases were also concerned with the right to die policies. (Linder 1)
The meaning and completion of her life should be controlled by persons who have her best interests at heart -- not by a state legislature concerned only with the "preservation of human life." (Cruzan v Director, Missouri Department of Health)
The case also helped to generate support for the Congressional passage of the Patient Self-Determination Act.It was effective November 1991, when hospitals and nursing homes that receive Medicaid or Medicare funds must give patients written information about advance directives, explaining what right-to-die options are available under their state law. Most states now have laws providing a way for people to make known, in advance, their wishes about medical treatment (Lewin 1).
Other cases that referenced the Cruzan case were Gonzales v Oregon and Washington v. Glucksberg. These cases were also concerned with the right to die policies. (Linder 1)
Reviewed by Mr. Midora