KAREN Ann Quinlan did not die in vain. She was the first patient in the world who raised the debate over euthanasia. After falling down while intoxicated, Karen, 21 at the time, lay in a coma. Medical devices were used to sustain her breathing. Finally, 10 years later, a court in New Jersey, USA, approved the request of Quinlan's parents to end Karen's suffering. On June 11, 1985, the cables were removed. Miss Quinlan was allowed to die.

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