Joseph Quinlan

Joseph Quinlan was a patient at the center of a landmark legal case in the 1970s that shaped debates around medical ethics and the right to die. After a severe brain injury in 1975, he was kept alive on a ventilator, but his family argued there was no hope for recovery. They sought to remove life support, leading to a legal battle that raised questions about patient autonomy, quality of life, and the role of medical professionals. Ultimately, the case highlighted the importance of advance directives and informed consent in medical decision-making. Quinlan passed away in 1985.