Britain's highest court has ruled that doctors can withdraw food and fluid from patients who are in a vegetative state or minimally conscious without seeking permission from judges.
The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom said that it was not necessary to apply for permission from the Court of Protection to dehydrate such patients to death when doctors and family members agreed that death was in their "best interests."
The July 30 ruling, however, was criticised by at least one Catholic bishop.
Auxiliary Bishop John Wilson of Westminster said it was morally wrong to withdraw food and fluids from anyone.
