Which term describes a conscious decision to refuse certain medical treatments?

The term that describes a conscious decision to refuse certain medical treatments is an advance directive. An advance directive is a legal document that allows individuals to outline their preferences regarding medical treatment in the event that they become unable to communicate their wishes. This can include instructions on what types of medical interventions they do or do not wish to receive, effectively allowing them to refuse specific treatments based on their personal values or beliefs.

This concept is essential in medical practice, as it ensures that patients' rights and autonomy are respected, even when they are not in a position to express their desires directly. While other options relate to aspects of healthcare and decision-making—like medical consent, which pertains to agreeing to treatments, and a health care proxy, which designates someone to make medical decisions on one’s behalf—an advance directive directly addresses the refusal of treatment and the specific wishes a patient may have regarding their healthcare.