Is wrong to deny food and water to one in a vegetative state?

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JEANNIEMAC

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My friend’s husband, 72, had a heart attack. His heart was not started for over half an hour. Tests showed he had massive cerebral damage. He was in a coma for almost three months, and the insurance was almost due to run out. His wife had inherited her brother’s retirement fund, making her husband ineligible for Medicaid. She became concerned about her funds being used up, leaving her with very little money. She spoke with a priest about stopping medical care for him. Then she had food and water discontinued. About a week later, the husband died.
She now feels that she was really concerned about her funds being used up, and thinks she was guilty of murdering her husband. Was it wrong to stop the food and drink?
 
Dear J,

She didn’t know, but yes it was very wrong. Death from dehydration and starvation is quite painful and prolonged. No one should ever put anyone through that. I would have thought that by now most people would know not to remove hydration and food as a result of the Terri Schiavo experience.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.
 
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