NY to Allow Families to Make End-of-Life Decisions

New York families will now be allowed to make medical decisions for their incapacitated loved ones. Gov. David Paterson will sign a bill today giving families, guardians and partners that right even if the patient hasn’t signed paperwork detailing their wishes, which could include being taken off life support.

Now decisions will be based on the patient’s best interests, including moral and religious beliefs. As a stipulation, two doctors must independently conclude the patient won’t survive for six months even with medical treatment.

{WCAX News/Matzav.com Newscenter}