Sterben hat seine Zeit. Zur deutschen Debatte über die Reichweite von Patientenverfügungen

The author deals with the current debate in Germany concerning advance directives. A commission from the German Federal Parliament had suggested that they be limited to fatal illnesses. The author is opposed to such a limitation. From a theological perspective, a human being is worthy of the right to recognize and know himself when something has to be done or not done in relation to his death. This does not exclude the long-term suffering caused by terminal illnesses.