I've often thought that the word "vegetative" is a disrespectful way to refer to a human being. I don't use the term.
Why not use something less loaded like "severely brain damaged and non-responsive state"? Perhaps because the word "vegetative" allows interested parties to pass over such issues as responsiveness and consciousness.
"Perhaps because the word "vegetative"
Because it's easier to sell the idea of murdering a human if you think in terms of the person as a carrot or cabbage. They're not a human, only an unfeeling and unresponsive vegetable. About the same logic used as an unborn child. They're not human so it's ok to murder them.
Legal murder--only in the USA. Better make sure you all feed your pets--they will prosecute for that, but it's ok to starve a person.
BINGO!!!
He who controls the language controls the argument.
Ask Goebbels, or Madison Avenue.