CobaltBlue wrote:
"Good argument. However, without taking the time to research Florida law, my recollection is that in 1999, Florida law was amended so that giving food and water IS "extraordinary" rather than normal and natural. One of the legislators who sponsored this law is also on the Board of Directors for the "hospice" where Terri presently lives, and was living at the time."
I was quoting the Florida statutes as of 2004.
Neil
I want to re-iterate that I like your argument, and also mention that I am a fan of your books.
Here is the statutory provision I am talking about.
>>(10) "Life-prolonging procedure" means any medical procedure, treatment, or intervention, including artificially provided sustenance and hydration, which sustains, restores, or supplants a spontaneous vital function. The term does not include the administration of medication or performance of medical procedure, when such medication or procedure is deemed necessary to provide comfort care or to alleviate pain.<<
http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0765/SEC101.HTM&Title=-%3E1999-%3ECh0765-%3ESection%20101
Read in the context of the entire Health Care Directives statutory scheme, the way I read this is that when a person says they don't want their life artificially prolonged, that means that the state can withdraw food and water.
If you scroll down further, the code provides that this is neither euthanasia nor suicide.
765.309 Mercy killing or euthanasia not authorized; suicide distinguished.--
(1) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to condone, authorize, or approve mercy killing or euthanasia, or to permit any affirmative or deliberate act or omission to end life other than to permit the natural process of dying.
(2) The withholding or withdrawal of life-prolonging procedures from a patient in accordance with any provision of this chapter does not, for any purpose, constitute a suicide.
History.--s. 4, ch. 92-199.
http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=Ch0765/ch0765.htm
I find this morally repugnant, and have changed my mind about retiring to Florida. I'd rather live someplace that values life.