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This Article examines the role of religion in the creation and enforcement of advance medical directives. It begins by setting out the principal similarities and differences between the two types of such directives-- namely, living wills and health care proxies (or powers of attorney). It then considers the formulation of religiously oriented advance directives and their incorporation of religious doctrine and imperatives. The Article then addresses the impact that the religious views of an individual patient's treating physician might have on such directives. Finally, the Article analyzes religiously based challenges to the enforcement of advance medical directives, paying particular attention to the Terri Schiavo case and its continuing significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the roles that advance directives (ADs) play in health care planning in America, and it mentions AD laws in places such as New York, AD-related accessibility, and the author's suggestions for overcoming obstacles to the use and efficiency of ADs in America. It states that Living Wills, Health Care Proxies, and Medical Powers of Attorney are tools which allow people to communicate their end-of-life decisions to friends, family, and health care professionals.

The article examine the Massachusetts State legislative frame work related to right to die. Topics discussed include end-of-life options available to dying patients in Massachusetts; need of legislation to create an affirmative permission for aid in dying; use of palliative care for people with serious illnesses; and Massachusetts Health Care Proxies Laws.