A South Korean hospital Tuesday removed a life-support system from a comatose patient in accordance with a court ruling that had approved a euthanasia request for the first time in the country.
AFP quoted a spokesman for Seoul's Severance Hospital as saying that the hospital removed a respirator ― the crucial life-sustaining equipment ― from a 76-year-old woman in mid-morning.
The spokesman said it would take some time for the patient to be pronounced dead, AFP said.
Last month, the Supreme Court, upholding a lower court decision, supported a request by the woman's family that she be allowed to die with dignity.
Under current law, the removal of a respirator from a brain-dead patient is officially regarded as murder. But the family had said extending life using medical devices would prolong the woman's "painful and meaningless" existence.
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dickie05 (59.19.225.59)
06-24-2009 18:04
Suzie, there is a difference between euthanasia and a DNR. To euthanize someone is "pulling the plug," a DNR just says that if their heart stops on it's own, doctors won't restart it. Big difference.
wiseguy (82.98.71.251)
06-24-2009 16:56
jimbo himself does not have any dignity, thats why he is letting himself down to others levels. LOL
jimbo1a (59.20.215.239)
06-24-2009 16:47
Assiologist, sustaining your existence does the world harm, but we don't recommend putting you to sleep. OK, most of those who come here would recommend it, but probably won't stick the needle in. Probably be your only shot at getting any dignity. You certainly haven't had any in this life.
archaeologist17 (125.140.241.54)
06-24-2009 06:11
doctors have to take a hypocratic oath to get their license, yet one has to wonder about the definition of the words 'do no harm...' because sustaining a life long after the person is dead seems to be doing harm to the patient, their family and friends.
Suzie (72.253.252.36)
06-24-2009 05:43
dickie05 - A DNR is nor effective in Korea since euthanasia is against the law. That's why there was this lengthy battle.
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