Ann Was Seriously Ill and Feared That She Might Lapse

question 12

Essay

Ann was seriously ill and feared that she might lapse into a coma or somehow become unable to speak or act for herself in her medical emergency. She is aware that agents ordinarily lose their authority to act for principals who become mentally disabled. She nevertheless desires to have her husband Alberto make medical decisions and speak on her behalf. She is particularly concerned about existing on life support in a persistent and incurable vegetative state. Is there any action that she might take to enable Alberto to act for her?

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Definitions:

IQ Scores

Numerical values derived from standardized tests designed to measure human intelligence and cognitive abilities.

Heredity

The transmission of traits from parent to offspring by means of genes.

Genetic Factors

Refers to the traits and conditions influenced by the genes inherited from one's parents, affecting physical and perhaps behavioral characteristics.

Environmental Factors

External elements like climate, pollution, and social settings that can influence an individual's health, behavior, and development.