Nancy Cruzan

Nancy Cruzan was a woman who became widely known after her persistent vegetative state following a car accident. Her case raised important ethical and legal questions about a person’s right to refuse life-sustaining treatment and the role of family and law in end-of-life decisions. In 1990, her parents sought to stop her feeding tube, leading to a landmark legal battle that reached the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court ultimately allowed the withdrawal of life support, affirming the importance of individual rights and the need for clear advance directives. Cruzan’s case significantly influenced laws concerning patient autonomy and informed consent in medical decisions.