The controversy surrounding Vincent Lambert's case in France shows how important it is to put in place protective arrangements for future incapacity by means of advance directives. It is a voluntary measure to decide, when still fully able to do so, on the personal matters that we will entrust to an identified third person to manage, including make decisions on our behalf, in case of future incapacity. In 2009, the Council of Europe adopted Recommendation CM/Rec(2009)11 which promotes self-determination. For more information: Continuing powers of attorney and advance directives for incapacity. See also the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in 2015 in the case of Lambert and Others v. France [GC], 46043/14.

To follow on: Linkedin, Facebook and Twitter.

To read, in relation, the Guide on the decision-making process regarding medical treatment in end-of-life-situations