Thursday, March 24, 2005
 

Re: Schiavo Case

This isn't exactly a legal document, but let's get this clear:

If ever I am being kept alive only by machines, and all these machines are doing is prolonging the inevitable, death, I do not wish to be kept alive. I believe these are called "life sustaining procedures." I do not wish them to be taken. No nutrition, no hydration: no tube feeding. I am not oppossed to being treated with medications intended to relieve pain or being kept clean / comfortable in a manner befitting a dignified death.

I do not wish to be kept alive in:
A persistent vegetative state;
A terminal condition;
A state of permanent unconsciousness (no neocortical functioning, only involuntary or reflexive functions of the brain stem);
A state where life support only postpones death;
A state of advanced progressive illness;
A state of extreme pain and suffering, if life support will only postpone the moment of death;
A state wherein the treatment for the medical issue at hand is one in which the risks, burdens, and loss of personal dignity outweigh the "benefits" of life-saving or live-preserving measures;
A state in which there is no reasonable medical expectation of recovery.

I do not oppose an autopsy, in the even that one should be considered necessary. If at all possible, I would like any and all organs, tissues, and parts that can serve a medical purpose to be harvested and donated (for transplant, therapy, research, or education: any purpose authorized by law). I do consent to be kept alive artifically long enough to remove organs, tissues, and other parts in order to preserve their viability.

Do not resuscitate.

All repetition is designed to cover my bases. I am aware this is not a legal document, but, if the Schiavo case has taught us anything, it's that we should make our wishes known and clear in advance.

For the record, I also support euthanasia for those who desire it. I support euthanasia legislation and would approve of it being used to terminate my life, rather than prolonging a certain death.

Elvisette philosophized at 10:39 PM