Advance Care Directive Case Summary

This short case study has a significant range of legal and ethical principles which contribute to the outcome of the outcome if Marion will continue or abandon treatment. The team who is treating Marion must refer to the Advance Care Directive and ensure they follow this carefully to ensure Marion’s best wishes. This is because an Advance Care Directive is a legal form for adults over the age of 18, in scenarios in which a person has impaired decision-making capacity, the Advance Care Directive will have instructions, vales and wishes for future health care (Advance Care Directives 2014). Marion’s parents state that she has an Advance Care Directive however, the treating team are unable to take their word and must obtain a copy to ensure the information is correct. …show more content…
However, there are some scenarios which may void the Advance Care Directive, such as if the Advance Care Direction does not state what to do in an emergency situation whilst pregnant, the decision would be depending on the Substitute Decision Maker should she have one (Appointing Substitute Decision-Makers 2016). However, should there be no Advance Care Directive according to The Consent to Medical Treatment and Palliative Care Act 1995 (SA), s. 13(1) (a) the medical practitioner may lawfully administer medical treatment to a person if the opinion that the treatment is necessary to meet an imminent risk to life or health, in this scenario it would be saving the life of the unborn child. Consent to Medical Treatment and Palliative Care Act 1995 (SA), s 13(1)