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Death and euthanasia in Jewish law : essays and responsa / edited by Walter Jacob and Moshe Zemer
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WALTER JACOB

committee. We are satisfied that these criteria include those of the older tradition and comply with our concern that life has ended. Therefore, when circulation and respiration only continue through mechanical means, as established by the above-mentioned tests, then the suffering of the patient and his/her family may be permitted to cease, as no"natural independent life" functions have been sustained.

We would not endorse any positive steps leading toward death. We would recommend pain-killing drugs which would ease the remaining days of a patients life

We would reject any general endorsement of euthanasia, but where all"independent life" has ceased and where the above-mentioned criteria of death have been met, further medical support systems need not be continued.

*Walter Jacob ed., American Reform Responsa, New York , 1983,#79.