Question

What court decision established the right of patients to express their desires about medical treatment in advance? A. Roe v. Wade B. Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey C. Cruzan v. Director, Missouri Department of Health D. Griswold v. Connecticut

Answer 1

It is Casey v. Director, Missouri Dept of Health

Answer 2

Answer: C. Cruzan v. Director, Missouri Department of Health

Explanation: In Cruzan, Missouri was permitted to reject the petition to withdraw life support in this particular case, as the proof about the patient’s wishes, which hadn’t been expressed in writing, didn’t meet the “clear and convincing evidence” standard that Missouri required. (Based on Cruzan, however, the right of patients to express their wishes directly in an advance medical directive is established). Patients may decide in advance of suffering from a terminal condition or persistent vegetative state to refuse medical treatment and artificial hydration and nutrition. The details of how the wishes are expressed, however, are a function of state law. PF