I had one of those, "Ever think God might be throwing spanners into the works?" moments as I watched the news tonight and saw a report on research being carried out with 'Vegetative State patients'. The results showed that those who up until now have been considered to be in such a state and therefore effectively brain dead were actually aware!
This raises a whole new set of considerations regarding the assisted suicide debate and coming so closely on the heels of 'Pratchett's Law' does make me wonder if God isn't just having a bit of a wry smile to Himself.
A quote from Dr. Adrian Owen (Medical Research Council, Cambridge) puts the findings in a nutshell (and into context) when he says, "We were astonished when we saw the results of the patient's scan and that he was able to correctly answer the questions that were asked by simply changing his thoughts." Astonished isn't the word for me, it's another amazing bit of proof of the resilience of the human body and the spark of life that makes it tick!
But of course, technological admiration and marvelling apart, this raises so many ethical questions regarding the treatment of such 'vegetative state' patients in that pain relief could be given to those who were, until now, thought to be unable to feel any pain. The mental and emotional state of the patients could be discovered and most importantly, decisions as to future treatment could made together with the patient. The biggest issue comes in the area of "Letting nature take its course," after all, would it be legal to remove the life of a cognissant and sentient being by removing treatment (as has been the case)?
The answer as I understand it is a 'No' and having made this discovery we are now faced with a great many moral and ethical questions.
More when I can get more information.
1 comment:
Coudn't agree more Vic. Fascinating research, which, as you say, makes the ethical issues a whole load more complex. Jane
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