X-Message-Number: 19047
From: "trippgary" <>
Subject: The true "death" of the brain and life support machines... 
Date: Sun, 12 May 2002 12:05:46 -0400

Toby Christensen writes:

>My stepdad poses this question:

>"If people's bodies are still functioning when they are 
>on life support (breathing, heartbeat) but their brain 
>activity is nil, is turning them off "murder" when you 
>consider that they have no brain activity?"

>I think what he is getting at is  their brains are beyond repair

Sometimes, in the case of stroke, there is still enough circulation 
to preserve brain structure but not function.  Furthermore, there 
have been cases where individuals have suddenly awakened from 
a lengthy coma.

In my book life is precious and every possibility should be 
afforded those whose life appears perilously close to death.
Would turning off life support for the "brain dead" be murder?

I would say quite possibly yes.

/gary

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