X-Message-Number: 19057
From: "trippgary" <>
Subject: The true "death" of the brain and life support machines... 
Date: Mon, 13 May 2002 12:15:44 -0400

I've revised my view of this matter. 

I have it on good authority that a declaration of "brain death" 
meeting the legal criteria is in fact real death as authorities in 
these matters have thoroughly considered every possibility.

>Toby Christensen writes:

>>My stepdad poses this question:

>>"If people's bodies are still functioning when they are 
>>on life support (breathing, heartbeat) but their brain 
>>activity is nil, is turning them off "murder" when you 
>>consider that they have no brain activity?"

>>I think what he is getting at is  their brains are beyond repair

>Sometimes, in the case of stroke, there is still enough circulation 
>to preserve brain structure but not function.  Furthermore, there 
>have been cases where individuals have suddenly awakened from 
>a lengthy coma.

>In my book life is precious and every possibility should be 
>afforded those whose life appears perilously close to death.
>Would turning off life support for the "brain dead" be murder?

>I would say quite possibly yes.

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