[blackdog]

No, my mother passed away from ALS, and at a time of her choosing because she drew the line at a ventilator. That line was redrawn on her part however many, many times over the course of her path to death(which all of us are on by the way, some just longer than others).

You mention determination of self. When the determination of the self is contradictory, you need to err on the side of respect for life.

As to Michael Schiavo's declaration of Terri's wishes, I suspect that if he couldn't sell the notion to the family, he's not selling a sound argument. It's suspect.

[Cboldt]

No, my mother passed away from ALS, and at a time of her choosing because she drew the line at a ventilator.

I think we have a sort of cross-talk going on, my post was aimed at blackie. But I'm glad you chimed in.

You mention determination of self. When the determination of the self is contradictory, you need to err on the side of respect for life.

I agree.

As to Michael Schiavo's declaration of Terri's wishes, I suspect that if he couldn't sell the notion to the family, he's not selling a sound argument. It's suspect.

He didn't have to sell it to the family. He had to sell it to the court. And he did. And the legal system is circling the wagons around an abhorrent decision, and the medical profession is defending a practice that I personally find unethical.