what is advance directive that states a person's wish that death should not be artificially postponed

1 answer

An advance directive that specifies a person's wish that death should not be artificially postponed is commonly known as a "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) order or can also be part of a broader advance care plan.

In this context, an advance directive is a legal document that outlines an individual's preferences for medical treatment in situations where they may be unable to communicate their wishes. Specifically, a DNR order indicates that if a person stops breathing or their heart stops beating, medical personnel should not perform CPR or other life-saving measures.

Additionally, the term "living will" can also apply, as it may detail a person's wishes regarding end-of-life care and the types of medical interventions they do or do not want, including the refusal of life-sustaining treatments like mechanical ventilation or feeding tubes if they are deemed to prolong the dying process without a meaningful chance of recovery.

It's important to create these documents in consultation with healthcare providers and legal professionals to ensure they are valid and clearly convey one's wishes.