What factors should be considered when you're making the decision to turn off life support?

Answer by  Bren (76)

The main thing to consider when making this decision is.... if the person could speak for themselves, what would they want to be done? If life support is used indefinitely what quality of life will the person have? What are the chances that the person will recover and be able to live a normal life?

Answer by  lalaland (238)

First and foremost, respect the wishes of the person who is now on life support. If they never expressed them, then it's reasonable to consider the ongoing costs of keeping someone on life support. Talk to the person's doctor and see what they think is the best decision.

Answer by  Bsjinx (97)

Several factors need to be considered including your knowledge of the person's wishes, the probability of any kind of recovery, your own personal mores and beliefs, and the degree to which you can bear the expense of continued life support.