Article Title
Self-Directed Death, Euthanasia, and the Termination of Life-Support: Reasonable Decisions to Die
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to challenge the common legal and psychiatric presumption that all decisions to die result from a clouded mind. Indeed, a realistic and common sense view of the issue asserts quite the contrary: namely, that self-directed death may prove to be an optimally rational course of action in light of an individual's circumstances and ends. While the state has a legitimate concern in the welfare of its citizens and should seek to prevent unwarranted loss of life, it should be loathe to force a mentally competent adult to remain alive against his will and best interests.
Recommended Citation
G. Steven Neely, Self-Directed Death, Euthanasia, and the Termination of Life-Support: Reasonable Decisions to Die, 16 Campbell L. Rev. 205 (1994).