or more than six months, her parents sued for the right to have the artificial life support discontinued. The New Jersey Supreme Court authorized removal of the life support. Ironically, death never occurred. Karen miraculously continued to live, and was able to breathe without the support of the respirator. Because of the irony that may occur with certain cases, such as that of Karen Ann Quinlan, questions arise as to what constitutes a person as dead. Brain death has been accepted as the medical basis for declaring a person dead. But as of now brain status does not yet specify criteria for establishing total brain death. Physicians and nurses may demonstrate a sense of discomfort and sense of guilt when left to face terminally-ill patients. The concern for what happens after the plug is pulled must be taken into account. As it stands, a doctor is not held responsible for not putting a patient on a support system initially. Once the patient is on the support however, the doctor can be held liable for removing the support. Most doctors would not pull the plug for support until state laws protect from charges of murder. In light of this situation, many compassionate doctors hold back initial life support in cases where patients seem unsalvageable. Because of the legal issues involved in euthanasia, many contend for a legal document called a Living Will. This document is one created by a person at any time in their healthy life. It declares the forethought wishes of that person. In circumstances of accidental or sudden illness or injury the preferred treatment would be known to the victims family and physician. The terms and conditions of the will could outline consent for withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment. This in effect protects the tending physician from malpractice. Unfortunately, Living Will documents in some states have certain restrictions. For example, in the U.S., North Carolina gives the family a dominant sa...
