What are the issues surrounding the use of Life-Support Systems?
Since the early 1970s, many cases involving the use and withdrawal of life-support systems have gone before the courts. Regardless of the individual circumstances, the main questions surrounding each case were: 1) whether or not the life-support systems served to prolong life or prolong suffering prior to inevitable death, and 2) whose right was it to decide whether to continue or withdraw particular therapies? These are difficult questions. How do we answer? Who decides? Our society recognizes that each of us is unique, and that decisions about health care will vary from person to person. Decisions may be based upon a combination of factors, including the lifestyle you lead, your religious or moral view and your past experiences. Federal and state law clearly state that it is your right to be informed by your physician of your choices, and to decide what type of appropriate medical treatment you wish to receive. Decisions to accept or reject life-sustaining therapies, like other choic
