Question

Jerry is in a persistent vegetative state, kept alive through a respirator. He has a living will, which says that if Jerry is ever in a persistent vegetative state, the respirator should not be provided. However, the physician in charge believes that removal of the respirator is physician-assisted suicide. Is the physician correct? Why or why not?

Select one:

a. No, removal of the respirator is only passive euthanasia

b. Yes, removal of the respirator is physician-assisted suicide

c. Yes, removal of the respirator is active euthanasia

d. No, because people in a persistent vegetative state are already legally dead

Answer 1

a. No, removal of the respirator is only passive euthanasia is the correct option.

Jerry is in persistent vegetative state that means his situation is chronic and can't be cured. He also has a living will which says respirator should not be provided therefore it can't be termed as suicide. Therefore, because of Jerry's condition and the living will, he is not correct. In fact, this is passive euthanasia where he withhold the treatment.