British judge orders test of wake-up drug
The senior family court judge in Britain turned down a request to stop feeding a woman in a vegetative state and allow her to die.
Instead Judge Mark Potter ruled that doctors attending the 53-year-old woman should try giving her the drug zolpidem that has caused others in a similar state to awaken, The Times of London reported.
The action was sought by Britain's Official Solicitor who looks after the interests of litigants who cannot act for themselves.
Official Solicitor Lawrence Oates read about the use of the drug in South Africa and decided that it should be tested in Britain, The London Telegraph reported.
In an judgment that has not yet been published, Potter has instructed doctors to try using zolpidem on the woman and report back to the court.
At that time, he will decide whether to grant the family's request.
Copyright 2006 by United Press International
