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Previous Volume 329:663-664 August 26, 1993 Number 9 Next

	Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

	Full Text Add to Personal Archive Add to Citation Manager Notify a Friend E-mail When Cited Related Article by Patterson, D. R. Related Article by Patterson, D. R.

To the Editor: Patterson et al. (Feb. 18 issue) question whether patients with cervical-level quadriplegia should ever be allowed to refuse life support early in their care¹. This includes the acute phase in the intensive care unit, a period that can last several weeks, as well as months or years of subsequent care.

This approach represents a breach of respect for patients' autonomy. Patterson et al. reject the application of the principle of autonomy in the early phase because "the result may be the premature death of a person who could have lived a happy and productive life." The . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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