Autonomy and End of Life Decision Making: Reflections of a Lawyer and a Daughter

Abstract

This Essay reflects upon accommodating needs of patients and family members facing end-of-life issues both from a legal perspective-as a lawyer and teacher of those lawyers who advise people about how best to express their wishes for their end of life care-and from the perspective of a family member, who has lived the experience of facing end of life decisions of a loved one. Most importantly, the reflections focus on the vast gulf that exists between these two perspectives.