Posted On: October 28, 2008, 10:33 am CDT

Posted By: Amon

This has sparked some interesting commentary. Setting aside the issue of insurance coverage for a moment, it seems society often chokes on the staggering costs of maintaining a heartbeat even when there is little or no quality of life. Few people can discuss alternatives objectively because there is only one, and it doesn't square with religious beliefs of some and would be extremely difficult for a parent to make. It seems to me that maintaining a body for decades at all costs is pointless and borderline cruelty to the one involved. Maybe there is no viable alternative, but there will be ongoing discussions as economic pressures and limited medical resources continue to confront us.