Shifting the burden of proof.
The law places an extremely heavy burden of proof on those who wish to remove life support--even for patients in persistent vegetative states. A number of public opinion polls show that up to 85 percent of Americans would not want artificial nutrition and hydration for themselves under such circumstances. In light of these findings, a different evidentiary standard is appropriate.
Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, Cleveland State University, OH.
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D016223:Advance Directives / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003128:Coma; D003657:Decision Making; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D007872:Legal Guardians / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D008020:Life Support Care / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011639:Public Opinion; D016312:Treatment Refusal; D014481:United States; D028761:Withholding Treatment