The good Rabbi brings up an interesting point of discussion. I am surprised that many feel reticent to offer an opinion.

For many years now we have seen an erosion of the ability of individuals to express their religious beliefs. Although the case would be handled much differently here in the US (where one's family must request the removal of life support, and there usually needs to be a DNR in effect, or a living will, etc.) I envision a time in the not so distant future where a person's life will be measured against the ticking of the clock and the growing medical bill. The final decision will be made in some back room somewhere with some bean counter saying in effect..."look he owes 100,000 and he's only worth 95,000, let's pull the plug."

I certainly hope the family wins...if the case does go to court. A human being and his/her family should not have their religious beliefs quashed at the time of death (or any time, for that matter). I would hope this issue would be covered by the "separation of church and state" clause in the US, but I wonder how it will play out in Canada.

Freightdawg