Karen Quinlan Memorial Foundation

The Karen Quinlan Memorial Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in honor of Karen Quinlan, a young woman who became a pivotal figure in discussions about medical ethics and the right to die. After a severe brain injury left her in a persistent vegetative state in 1975, her family's legal battle led to significant changes in laws regarding end-of-life care and patient rights in the United States. The foundation promotes education and advocacy on issues such as advance healthcare directives, organ donation, and ethical medical practices, ensuring that individuals can make informed choices about their care.