Written question asked by Lord Ashbourne (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 31 July 1997. It was answered by Baroness Jay of Paddington (Labour) on Thursday, 31 July 1997.

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Jay of Paddington, Baroness

Question

Whether they will publish the criteria for withdrawing food and fluids from patients with severe brain damage drawn up in February 1996, which were relied on in the cases of Miss "D" and re H in the Family Division of the High Court this year; and whether these criteria should be revised in the light of evidence that such patients can experience thirst if the hypothalamus has not been damaged.

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Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

582 c108WA

Session

1997-98

Subjects

Codes of practice Law Injuries Ethics Medical treatments Medicine Brain Persistent vegetative state