In the Matter of Claire C. Conroy, No. A-108 (N.J. Jan. 17, 1985)

Life-sustaining treatment, such as artificial respiration, nutrition, or hydration, may be withheld or withdrawn from a competent patient who declines such treatment. Such treatment may also be withheld or withdrawn from an incompetent patient when it is clear that the patient would have refused the treatment under the particular circumstances. In the absence of evidence of what the patient would have done in the specific situation, life sustaining treatment or support may be withdrawn from an incompetent person when it is clear that the treatment would merely prolong suffering. No such decision may be based upon an assessment of the personal worth or social utility of an incompetent patient's life.