Can I refuse artificial nutrition or hydration?

A person may be able to refuse artificial nutrition or hydration, but the decision should be documented clearly and discussed with the treating team.

Often, yes. Artificial nutrition and hydration are medical treatments. An adult with decision-making capacity can usually refuse medical treatment, including tube feeding or IV fluids.

You may also be able to refuse these treatments in an advance care directive for future situations, depending on your state or territory law.

General information: This page gives general information for people in Australia. Laws about treatment refusal and advance care directives differ between states and territories. Ask your doctor or a lawyer if the situation is complex.

This is not the same as VAD

Refusing artificial nutrition or hydration is not the same as voluntary assisted dying. It means declining a medical treatment. The healthcare team should still provide comfort care, mouth care, symptom relief and support.

The situation matters

Tube feeding or IV fluids can help some people in some situations. Near the end of life, they may not make a person stronger and may add burdens such as discomfort, fluid overload, secretions or hospital transfer.

Ask what benefit is expected in your situation and what may happen without it.

You may also want to read

• What is an advance care directive?

• Would IV fluids help someone who is dying?

• Would a feeding tube make someone stronger near the end of life?

• Can I refuse antibiotics, hospital transfer, tube feeding or other treatment in advance?

Sources and further information

• Making specific instructions - Advance Care Planning Australia
• End of Life Law in Australia - Treatment decisions
• Advance care planning - healthdirect