Understanding advance directives

The law recognizes individuals' right to bodily integrity and the right to refuse life-prolonging medical treatment. By means of an advance directive, individuals can protect their right to accept or refuse medical treatment, even after losing their ability to provide adequate legal consent. This article examines different types of advance directives, their efficacy and current controversies surrounding them. Nothing in this article is intended as legal advice and should not be taken as such. The information provided is not a replacement for the personalized legal advice readers might wish to obtain from their own attorney.