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. Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=19057