This paper describes a physician’s reaction when treating a patient with advanced AIDS who had just attempted suicide & was brought to the hospital emergency room by his life partner. The dilemma for the treating physician was how to react to the suicide attempt when the patient’s living will clearly described the patient’s wish not to receive heroic therapy including mechanical ventilation. This dilemma was finally resolved after investigation of the extent of the patient’s underlying advanced illness (AIDS) through detailed discussion with the patient’s life partner & durable power of attorney for health-care.