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End Of Life And Autonomy: The Case For Relational Nudges In End-Of-Life Decision-Making Law And Policy, Megan S. Wright

Maryland Law Review

Autonomy is a central principle in many areas of health law. In the case of end-of-life decision-making law and policy, however, the principle of autonomy requires revision. On the whole, law conceptualizes autonomy at the end of life as an individual making private, personal decisions based solely on their interests and values, and independent of others. But ordinary people understand autonomous decisionmaking at the end of life differently, in a way that acknowledges the importance of their interpersonal relationships. Social science research has documented that strengthening relationships with others, sharing responsibility in the decision-making process with healthcare providers, and taking …