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ABA Family Legal Guide

The Rights of Older Americans

A Right to Control Your Own Affairs

Health-Care Decision-Making Issues

What is my right to control decisions about my health care?

With few exceptions, our system of law recognizes the right of capable individuals to control decisions about what happens to their bodies. This includes the right to refuse any suggested medical treatment. We normally exercise this right by talking to our doctors and other health-care providers. You have a right to:

  • know all the relevant facts about your medical condition;
  • know the pros and cons of different treatment options;
  • talk to other doctors and get their opinions, too;
  • say yes to treatment or care that you want, and no to treatment or care that you do not want; and
  • have your pain and symptoms managed effectively, so that you can function in reasonable comfort.

    Your doctor is the expert in medicine, but you are the expert in defining and applying your personal values and preferences.

    • American Bar Association Family Legal Guide
    Copyright © 2004 American Bar Association
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