What if the patient has expressed a desire not to be kept alive on “machines”?
If the patient is competent, great care should be taken to understand specifically how the patient wishes to be treated. A general statement regarding “machines” should not be taken to mean specific treatments should be withheld or withdrawn. People in good health often make such casual statements. When they are later in a situation where machines could improve or restore their health, they welcome such therapies. If there is a written advance directive or Will-to-Live, then the wishes and treatment preferences expressed therein should be honored.
