quote:

Originally posted by BBMW:
There's a point in here. If they are conscious, still mentally functional, and can be communicated with, they could be asked to make the decision, not have someone make it for them and/or be forced to make the decision beforehand (thinking living will.)

If patients can be trained to communicate enough to express their wishes both in terms of life and death, and the easing of discomforts such as thirst, as indicated in the article, I see this knowledge as a good thing. For people to be able to express love, and say goodbye to one another, or say there's hope - don't give up, seems like something incredibly valuable.

Thanks for posting this; amazing. It reminded me of the book, "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly."
Written by the late Dauby, former editor of Elle. He suffered a rare form of a stroke and ended up with "locked in" syndrome while in his mid forties. By figuring out a way for him to communicate, he was able to give the gift of that book.

Silent