Wide publicity is usually given to a person who is living on life support and wants his or her life terminated or opting for doctor-assisted suicide, as they or their families and loved ones can no longer bear the suffering, agony and pain.

While switching off the life support machine is an easy way out, an option that is appealing, the best option would be to let nature take its course and to die a natural death but this appears to be a moral dilemma for those involved in such a situation.

While it is easy for people to opine and give advice to prolong life until a person stops breathing naturally, the burden of responsibility is great and enormous for those who are making decisions on behalf of those who are unable to do so.

Perhaps, in this scenario, a consensual decision should be made by all those involved in caring for the dying person, but even if it is impossible for the person to recover, he or she must live out his life fully and naturally.

A life is precious, it is a gift from God and at any one time the gift of life must not be negated, and this is why those responsible for caring for a person who cannot recover must still never give in to terminating life as long as hope flickers.

Never give up on the failing health of loved ones. Instead, nurse them back to good health and do the best possible for them as miracles can happen even in this day and age and this is why it is of paramount importance not to give up hope until the end comes naturally.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE