You may wish to consider now what you would want done about life supports such as a respirator or dialysis machine. Today, we use the terms Code or No Code to indicate if "heroics" will or will not be used. A Code is a life-saving set of procedures carried out on a patient whose heart or lungs have suddenly stopped. It involves the use of a tube in the throat and a respirator to breathe, plus electric shock to stimulate the heart. This is an emergency effort to save a life. A No Code means that no life-saving measures to the heart or lungs will be used on a patient when either stops functioning. In such a situation, you would be allowed to die naturally with the aid of pain medications and comfort measures.

During the final stages of terminal illness, it would be inappropriate or futile to prolong death or to burden the patient with "heroics." You can make a choice regarding a No Code by talking with your physician. Withdrawing or withholding life-sustaining procedures is morally permissible when they prolong the final stage of a terminal illness.