Life Support

/ˈlaɪf səˌpɔːrt/

Definitions

  1. (n.) Medical treatment or technology that sustains a person's vital functions when they are unable to do so independently, often relevant in legal contexts involving consent, medical ethics, and end-of-life decisions.
    The family contested the withdrawal of life support in court, citing the patient's prior wishes.

Forms

  • life support
  • life supports

Commentary

The term often arises in legal disputes over patient autonomy and medical ethics, highlighting the importance of clear directives and consent.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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