• Susan E Zinner.
• School of Public & Environmental Affairs, Indiana University Northwest, 3400 Broadway, Gary, IN 46408, USA. szinner@iun.edu
• Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2008 Dec 24;25(6):427-30.

AbstractAlthough laws such as the Patient Self-Determination Act encourage individuals to address their end-of-life treatment preferences using advance directives, the wishes of children have traditionally been ignored or, perhaps even worse, overruled. Given that there is a substantial body of research indicating that children are capable of making mature decisions when faced with terminal illness, the author proposes granting minors, especially older minors, the right to participate in making end-of-life decisions. Children who complete advance directives benefit in multiple ways. Adopting this approach could benefit patients by demonstrating respect for patient autonomy and informing parents and providers that the minor may be ready to stop aggressive treatment.

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