Advance Directive

Abstract

This entry will discuss the historical developments, legal policies, and ethics related to advance directives. The historical and political information discussed is mostly based on cases from the USA and Benelux countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg). The development of the US legal system is particularly important, due to its elaboration and influences on other countries. The Benelux countries also deserve special mention, due to their recent legalization of active euthanasia and the use of advance directives as a means to request it. The second half of this entry will discuss moral issues that relate to advance directives. Though the binding authorities of advance directives are strongly supported by the values of self-determination and the best interests of the individual, various objections to such binding authority will be addressed. Some objections point to the prevalence of practical obstacles that hamper the realization of these two values through the use of advance directives. Other objections emphasize the need for balancing these supporting values against other values that could prevent the absolute authority of advance directives from being realized.