AboutPaul D. Friedman, M.A., Ph.D., J.D. Expertise I have a master's degree in bioethics which inlcudes medical and research ethics. In addition to a law degree, I have a doctorate of philosophy in comparative ethics involving medicine, law and business. I also am an Adjunct Professor at a medical school.
I can answer questions related to the ethics of withholding, instituting or withdrawal of life support.
Experience Experience in the area I have been a practicing trial attorney since 1989 plus I have a master's degree in bioethics and a doctorate of philosophy regarding comparative ethics. I am also an Adjunct Professor at a medical school where I teach current providers and students medical ethics.
Organizations State Bar of Arizona
State Bar of Colorado (inactive)
District of Columbia Bar (inactive)
Federal Bar
Licensed in Arizona District Court
Licensed in Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Licensed in the United States Supreme Court American Bar Association National Board of Trial Advocacy
American Association for Justice
Arizona Trial Lawyers Association
American Society for Bioethics and Humanities Kennedy Institute of Ethics National Association of Realtors
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Arts 1985
Juris Doctorate 1989
Master of Arts in Bioethics 2004 Doctorate of Philosphy 2006
Awards and Honors Phi Beta Kappa
Multiple Who's Who
Publications A list of my copyrighted publications and presentations is contained at WWW.EXPERTETHICS.COM
Question In may of this year we had to take our 20 yr old son off life support. He had an lack of oxygen due to a drug overdose.
I was never prepared for what happened after we pulled the life support! Is it normal for a person to perspire and gasp for air? I have stuggled with what I saw. He wasn't completely brain dead due to the part of his brain that controls heartbeat and breathing wasn't completely gone. His breathing was at 30-40 so he did need some support.
Answer Lisa,
I am sorry you had that experience and I know that no parent should ever have to bury a child.
Although it looked like your son was in pain and struggling for breath, you should feel comforted that this is a normal response for the body when there is a lack of oxygen. The interstitial breathing is an autonomic response where the brain is trying to exist as long as possible by shutting down other organ function. Your son was completely unaware and was most likely void of pain or discomfort as his brain stem and heart were trying to survive until the end. It looks discomforting but is a normal part of the dying process.
I hope that you have peace. That last thought of the person you knew is a hard image to overcome. Hopefully, you can remember your son while he was living and had the ability to love. I hope you achieve that picture and some inner peace.
