Why Would a Physician Keep a Permanently Unconscious Person Alive Indefinitely?
Doctors are trained to keep people alive; it is the purpose of their profession. Indeed, the medical professionals’ Hippocratic Oath requires them to preserve the sanctity of life. Consequently, removing life support from a patient generally goes against a doctor’s training, instincts and experience. Even doctors who personally believe that a terminally ill and/or vegetative patient should be permitted to die may be wary about removing life support because of the potential legal liability. By drafting a valid living will, you can arm your physician with the legal protection he or she needs to honor your wishes.
