Respect for Autonomy; Or the Right to Die?

Recent cases have drawn attention to the issue of individual autonomy and what is sometimes referred to as 'the right to die'. Adult patients who are mentally competent have the right to refuse medical treatment even when that refusal can lead to worsening ill health and even death. This refusal of treatment may only be ignored when statutory law provides for treatment without consent, or a judge makes an order that overrides the patient's consent. While this is largely accepted when patients are physically and mentally competent, it becomes a complex issue when a person is mentally competent but due to physical incapacity are in care because they are unable to care for themselves.