Ethical Problems Created by the Hopelessly Unconscious Patient

Abstract

Vex not his ghost: O, let him pass! he hates him That would upon the rack of this tough world Stretch him out longer. King Lear, v. iiiTHE following remarks are limited to the single situation of the unconscious and irretrievably injured man who is kept "alive" only by extraordinary means. Four very different kinds of questions arise from this situation:Under what circumstances, if ever, shall extraordinary means of support be terminated, with death to follow?From the earliest times the moment of death has been recognized as the time the heartbeat ceased. Is there adequate evidence . . .