[nicmarlo]

The general consensus in halachic literature has been that certain treatments, such as oxygen, nutrition, and hydration are obligatory for all patients, regardless of the severity of their medical condition. This obligation is predicated upon the assumption that there are certain bodily needs that all people share, regardless of their prognosis, and that failing to provide for these needs constitutes a breach in the obligation to care for one's fellow man.

The question of establishing whether a given patient falls into this exclusive category for whom nutrition and/or hydration would not be required is a complex one. While eating, drinking and breathing are basic human functions that are intrinsic to life, each patient must be judged individually, with competent halachic advice sought in every case. The key to analyzing each situation is to realize that good ethics start with good facts. One must provide the posek (halachic decisor) with an accurate, honest, and thorough assessment of the patient's medical condition. Only then can a halachically valid and ethically proper decision be made.

ping.

[tutstar]

I guess the "good facts" mentioned in that snippet were sorely needed in Terri's case...wait, no, it was a Judge who could determine those facts that was needed.

[Dolphy]

The key to analyzing each situation is to realize that good ethics start with good facts.

Which makes one ask, why wouldn't Greer require that all available tests, including a swallowing test, be administered as a current, independent record of the facts?