Debate

HCS 478

Debate

Life sustaining treatments should be continued for patients in persistent vegetative states. All life is sacred and worthy of preservation, no matter what the condition is. There is currently no evidence that supports patients in persistent vegetative states do not feel pain or process sounds and discussions that are occurring around them. ". Descriptions of nonpurposeful behaviors as purposeful-smiling, laughing-can cause confusion and misunderstanding," (Racine, Amaram, & Karczewska,, 2008, p. 1031). Schiavo's parents had video tapes of Terry smiling and showing signs of purposeful behavior. Though Terri was severely brain damaged, she was able to maintain a blood pressure and breathe on her won, unassisted by a ventilator.

Recovery from the vegetative...