Right to Live Law and Legal Definition
The right to live is a phrase often referring to the right of an unborn child not to be aborted. One argument in defense of abortion which does not dispute the pro-life position that the fetus might have a right to live is the idea that such a right to life does not include a right to use the mother’s womb.
It may also refer to a person who is on life support and unable to communicate their wishes not to have artificial means of support removed. The issue has recently become a popular topic of discussion due to the case of Terry Schiavo and the legal battles waged over removing her life support. Living wills and health directives are a common way to avoid such conflicts.
