Taking Advance Directives Seriously

In "Taking Advance Directives Seriously," author Robert S. Olick delves into the critical intersection of patient autonomy and medical ethics. Published by Georgetown University Press in 2004, this insightful paperback spans 248 pages and highlights the importance of respecting advance directives, particularly for patients who may no longer be competent to voice their wishes. Olick examines the inherent tension between the expressed desires of patients and their best interests, proposing a compelling theory of prospective autonomy that enhances both patient and family control during the dying process. This work is essential reading for anyone interested in administrative law, medical ethics, and the philosophical aspects surrounding end-of-life care. Discover how Olick's arguments can reshape our understanding of patient autonomy and the moral imperatives of respecting advance directives.