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In Cruzan v. the Director of the Missouri Department of Health,
the original Missouri trial court granted authorization for termination,
finding that Cruzan had a fundamental right – grounded in both the state and federal constitutions
– to refuse or direct the withdrawal of death- prolonging procedures.
However, the Missouri Supreme Court reversed the lower court decision.
The U.S. Supreme Court heard the case in 1990.
NOTE: this important case is discussed in detail on pp. 130 – 131 of the text,
but you may still want to research the actual final court decision that found
“a competent person has a constitutionally protected right to refuse lifesaving hydration and nutrition.” www.supremecourt.gov
Question to Answer:
Advocates of “the right to life” fear that the “right to die” for the elderly and handicapped will become a “duty to die.” What is your reaction to this?