[bvw]

Minimal standards of care for a dependent must be met in any situation. Not to meet them is a crime of which only the level of severity depends on particular circumstances. Food, water, comfort.

The situation at hand -- Terri Schindler-Schiavo -- was a case of murder and even would have been so if the only difference was she DID (and she did not) have such a contract, such an "advance medical directive" or "living will" -- what an oxymoron that latter term!

[summer]

Minimal standards of care for a dependent must be met in any situation

I don't really follow your line of thinking in your post, but I would say some families provide the MAXIMUM standard of care when one family member is terminally ill, and just wants to die at home, peacefully, and makes that clear in writing. I don't think that is murder. I think that is love. You can not force such a person to go travel for experimental treatments and endure more pain. The theory behind hospice care understands and endorses that. I do, too.

[Gondring]

I fail to see how "living will" is an oxymoron. It is an indication of your will while you are living and unable to express it directly.

It should be honored.