The refusal of life-saving medical treatment vs. the state's interest in the preservation of life: a clarification of the interests at stake.

The only part of the conduct of anyone for which he is amenable to society is that which concerns others. In the part which merely concerns himself, his independence is, of right, absolute. Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is sovereign. No man is an Iand, intire of its selfe; every man is a piece of the Continent , a part of the maine.. . any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankinde; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.