With a revision of its “Health Regulations”, Shenzhen is the first city in China to adopt provisions on advance directives, according to an article by Dingxiangyuan, an online Chinese professional medical journal.
It is the first time in mainland China that advance directives, which allow individuals to indicate their treatment wishes in advance in the event that they are physically unable to decide, have been integrated into the legal system, underlines Dingxiangyuan. Shenzhen’s new regulations require medical institutions to honor a dying patient’s request based on their advance directives.
This concerns patients in the terminal phase of an incurable disease, as well as patients suffering from any disease. Individuals can indicate whether or not they want measures to be taken to extend their lifespan, such as the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Choice and dignity
The idea of advance directives in mainland China emerged in the country in 2006. It was put forward by Luo Diandian, who created the Choice and Dignity website, where he then published his own “five wishes”, a first for advance directives in China.
Advance directives are already in use in Taiwan and Hong Kong. A “Medical Regulation for a Peaceful End”, adopted in May 2000, made Taiwan the first place in Asia where advance directives are legal. Hong Kong has decided to promote advance directives in a non-legislative form.
The new regulations will come into force on 1is January 2023. Currently, advance directives are protected by law in 30 countries.