2006 Utah Code - 75-2-1102 — Intent statement.

     75-2-1102.   Intent statement.
     (1) The Legislature finds:
     (a) developments in medical technology make possible many alternatives for treating medical conditions and make possible the unnatural prolongation of death;
     (b) persons should have the clear legal choice to be spared unwanted life-sustaining procedures, and be permitted to die with a maximum of dignity and a minimum of pain; and
     (c) considerable uncertainty exists in the medical and legal professions as to the legality of terminating the use or application of life-sustaining procedures, even when a person has evidenced a desire that the procedures be withheld or withdrawn.
     (2) In recognition of the dignity and privacy which all persons are entitled to expect, and to protect the right of individuals to refuse to be touched or treated in any manner without their willing consent, the Legislature declares that this state recognizes the right to make binding written directives instructing physicians and other providers of medical services to withhold or withdraw, or to provide only to the extent set forth in a directive, life-sustaining and other medical procedures.

Amended by Chapter 129, 1993 General Session