Discontinuation of life supporting measures in Germany

The rights of people at the end of their lives have been discussed very controversially and at times very emotionally over the recent years. The key focus of the debate is the question, in what way the rights of the dying person have to be put into relation to the interest of third parties. This problem occurs when discussing the termination of life supporting measures. This contribution deals with the instruments of civil law available to the patient at the end of his life.