right-to-die

[ rahyt-tuh-dahy ]

adjective

1. asserting or advocating the right to refuse extraordinary medical measures to prolong one's life when one is terminally ill or irreversibly comatose:

   right-to-die laws.

Word History and Origins

Origin of right-to-die¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

When I first wrote about right-to-die legislation, before California followed Oregon’s lead in 2016, I was a vocal advocate.

From Los Angeles Times

In comas or persistent vegetative states, the conditions that spurred galvanizing right-to-die cases like Karen Ann Quinlan's and Terri Schiavo's, a person may be able to breathe independently, and there will still be some brain function.

From Salon

“They completely forgot that there was a population of people who are dying,” said Dr. Lonny Shavelson, a California physician who chairs the American Clinicians Academy on Medical Aid in Dying, a coalition of doctors who help patients access care under so-called right-to-die laws.

From Washington Times

“They completely forgot that there was a population of people who are dying,” said Dr. Lonny Shavelson, a California physician who chairs the American Clinicians Academy on Medical Aid in Dying, a coalition of doctors who help patients access care under so-called right-to-die laws.

From Seattle Times

Right-to-die organisation Cooperative Last Will brought the case with the aim of widening existing laws.

From Reuters