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Mary Martin Continues to Speak Out(wants to starve and dehyrate disabled, conscious husband) Although Mary Martin lost her quest to remove her husband's food and fluids [In re Martin, 538 N.W. 2d 399 (Mich. 1995)], she continues to advocate the removal of food and fluids from individuals who are severely disabled.

Addressing the "Families on the Frontier of Dying" conference in Philadelphia on May 21 1998, Mrs. Martin said, "He [Michael] is not PVS. He is conscious, awake…."

Referring to the fact that her husband was injured in a car-train accident, she asked, "Do you know why car insurance rates are so high?"

"Because people like Mike are being forced to stay alive. In his condition now he could probably out live me and our children. He's in well enough health, thanks to the feeding tube, he could out live us all. And for what? Because his mother and sister aren't willing to let him go."

She further stated, "He does nothing but smile…. Patients like this can smile and nod their head….They could be the organ donors who are so desperately needed." [Source: Transcript of conference video tape, "How Do Families Cope?" Families on the Frontiers of Dying, Philadelphia, PA, May 21, 1998.]

Source: International Task Force on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide

The Michigan Supreme Court reversed the trial court's ruling that there was "clear and convincing evidence" that Michael Martin..."expressed (a medical) preference to decline life-sustaining medical treatment under the circumstances presented . . . ."[2] The Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court's determinations.[3]

In their decision, the Michigan Supreme Court said, "To err either way has incalculable ramifications. To end the life of a patient who still derives meaning and enjoyment from life or to condemn persons to lives from which they cry out for release is nothing short of barbaric. If we are to err, however, we must err in preserving life."

http://iphh.msu.edu/martin.htm