[8mmMauser]

They just use a different name or term in other states. In Texas for example, it falls under the Futile Care law and in Florida, Terri Schiavo set the example for being killed legally, like it or not, all in the name of her supposedly wishing to be dehydrated to death for thirteen days.

My own Mom died in Oregon and I am still not sure if she weren't helped along, probably with legal sanctions.

8mm

[ahayes]

By diluting the significance of the term "euthanasia" you are actually being self-defeating. Most people are opposed to euthanasia, that is, the active killing of a person for stated humanitarian reasons. Most people are not opposed to the withdrawal of futile care, and indeed a lot of people do not want to be kept alive when there is no chance of their improving (my parents both have advance care directives demanding withdrawal of sustenance if they should become permanently vegetative). By calling the withdrawal of futile care euthanasia you are clouding the issue and alienating supporters. The question in this case is whether the state was jumping the gun in asking for the permission to withdraw such care and whether the rights of patients and caregivers are adequately protected (such as making sure patients really are in a vegetative state before withdrawing care and not invalidating a caregiver's priveleges in determining the care of the patient) in such situations.

I am sorry about your mother and certainly hope she was treated with the respect she and your family deserve.

[wastedyears]

Would it need to be put into a living will?