Persistent vegetative state

A persistent vegetative state (PVS) is a condition of patients with severe brain damage in whom coma has progressed to a state of wakefulness without detectable awareness. There is controversy in both the medical and legal fields as to whether this condition is irreversible.

Legal definition

As opposed to brain death, PVS is not recognized as death in any known legal system. This legal grey area has led to several court cases involving people in a PVS, those who believe that they should be allowed to die, and those who are equally determined that, if recovery is possible, care should continue. Well-known cases include Paul Brophy, Sunny von Bülow and Tony Bland, whose case created a precedent in the UK. The media circus case of Terri Schiavo in the United States is an example of PVS, having been so diagnosed by multiple court-appointed physicians. A dispute of this diagnosis was a major issue in a lengthy and unsuccessful court challenge.

Related Topics:
Brain death - Death - Allowed to die - Paul Brophy - Sunny von Bülow - Tony Bland - Media circus - Terri Schiavo - United States

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The Schiavo case was governed by Florida Law, under which the legal definition of "PVS" is:

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:(12) "Persistent vegetative state" means a permanent and irreversible condition of unconsciousness in which there is:

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:(a) The absence of voluntary action or cognitive behavior of any kind.

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:(b) An inability to communicate or interact purposefully with the environment.

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This legal definition is found in State Law 765.101(12). http://flsenate.gov/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0765/SEC101.HTM

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