Whereas Humanistic Jews assert the right of each competent adult to make decisions that affect that person’s quality of life, and
Whereas end of life decisions affect a person’s quality of life, and
Whereas human dignity depends upon the ability to make informed decisions on the basis of the best medical information available, unhampered by any person, governmental or judicial authority, and
Whereas implementation of this decision requires knowledge of how to pass on this decision so as to ensure it will be respected,
Therefore, the Society for Humanistic Judaism urges every person to compose a binding document (living will, advance directive) to ensure that all loved ones, close family members, and medical personnel will carry out his or her decision, and affirms that no one should have the right or authority to interfere with a personal choice regarding decisions about the ending of one’s own life.
