The Dying Person's Bill of Rights

1. I have the right to be treated as a living human being until I die.
2. I have the right to maintain a sense of hopefulness however changing its focus may be.
3. I have the right to express my feelings and emotions about my approaching death in my own way.
4. I have the right to participate in decisions concerning my care.
5. I have the right to expect continuing medical and nursing attention even though cure goals must be changed to comfort goals.
6. I have the right not to die alone.
7. I have the right to be free from pain.
8. I have the right to have my questions answered honestly. I have the right not to be deceived.
9. I have the right to have help from and for my family in accepting my death. I have the right to die in peace and with dignity.
10. I have the right to retain my individuality and not be judged for my decisions which may be contrary to the beliefs of others.
11. I have the right to be cared for by caring, sensitive, knowledgeable people who will attempt to understand my needs and will be able to gain some satisfaction in helping me face my death.

Source: The "Bill of Rights" was created at a workshop "The Terminally Ill Patient and the Helping Person" in Lansing, Michigan, sponsored by the South Western Michigan lnservice Education Council and conducted by Amelia Barbus (1975), Associate Professor of Nursing, Wayne State University.

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