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definition accurate? As noted above, the court cited the following definition from a 1987
Arizona court decision, "[A] twilight zone of suspended animation where death
commences while life, in some form, continues." It was further noted that PVS describes
a condition in which physical functions, such as heart beat and pulmonary ventilation are
present, but with no self-awareness or awareness of surroundings (Fiori, 2). Finally, this
case recognizes a distinction between PVS and "Permanent Vegetative State," taken from
an article prepared by the Multi-Society Task Force on PVS in the New England Journal
of Medicine (May 26, 1994, 1499-1506). A Permanent Vegetative State is one that is
determined to be irreversible. A PVS of twelve months duration or longer can be
considered permanent, since studies have shown that recovery after that time is rare.
Because Daniel had been in a PVS for many years, his condition would fall into this
category (Fiori, 2).
The above definition and considerations appear to be consistent with the
consensus of medical opinion on the subject. Although "functions of the hypothalamus
and brain stem are sufficiently retained to allow the patient to survive with medical and
nursing care" Idziak 2000, 109), PET scan studies of PVS patients demonstrate a sizeable
decrease (50%) in metabolic activity in the cerebral cortex leaving only vegetative
functions and reflexes (Multi-Society Task Force 1994, 1506). Persons in a PVS exhibit
sleep-wake cycles and can occasionally smile or even cry out, yet show no sign of being
aware of themselves or others.
Second, we should analyze the court's decision to place self-determination over
the state's interest in preserving life. Is this acceptable within our Judeo-Christian
tradition? According to Idziak (2000, 111-12), the ethics of dealing with PVS comes