Derb, your neurosurgeon seems to make the same mistake so many have–confusing the Schiavo case with their own experience, of different circumstances. Terri Schiavo was not on a respirator. That may seem like a small point, but I don’t think it is. She was breathing on her own. She just needed to be fed. There were people who loved her and wanted to make sure she was fed. That’s not NR or anyone else dictating when grandpa’s multiple machines can be turned off, it’s a relevant question in a disturbing instance that has captivated the attention of a nation, though apparently–in terms of details–not enough.