Airedale NHS Trust v. Bland [1993]
[1993] AC 789 · House of Lords · United Kingdom
Summary
Leading end-of-life decision-making case.
Facts
Doctors sought declarations about withdrawing life-sustaining treatment from a patient in a persistent vegetative state.
Issue
Could treatment be lawfully withdrawn when continuation was not in the patient's best interests?
Held
Yes, with court approval on the facts.
Ratio Decidendi
Life-sustaining treatment may be withdrawn where it is not in the patient's best interests, subject to legal safeguards.
Reasoning
Withdrawal of futile treatment could be an omission consistent with medical duty and patient interests.
Significance
Leading end-of-life decision-making case.
Related Cases
No related cases listed.
Exam Tips
Review the ratio and reasoning before applying this case in problem questions.