Definition: A choice made by a patient who is at the natural end of his or her life. The person stops eating and drinking with the intent to hasten the dying process.
Also Known As: voluntary stopping of eating and drinking
Voluntary Ceasing of Eating and Drinking
By Angela Morrow, RN, About.com
Updated December 16, 2008
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board
Explore Palliative Care
Must Reads
About.com Special Features
Learn how you can reduce your your numbers with these nutrition and exercise tips. More >
Keep yourself, and your family, happy and healthy this fall with these tips. More >
Also from About.com:
©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.
All rights reserved.