The case of Cruzan vs. Director, Missouri Department of Health (No. 88-1503) was an important one, calling very important aspects of United States laws into question. Though some may not realize, the outcome of this case has impacted American society in ways not altogether anticipated. In 1983, Nancy Cruzan was involved in a car accident, leaving her in a vegetative state. In order to keep Cruzan alive, surgeons implanted a gastrostomy feeding and hydration tube. Once it became apparent that Nancy Cruzan would not make a recovery, her parents requested that her life support end; however, the hospital would not carry out this task unless permission from a court was obtained. A Missouri state trial court allowed the life support to end, citing
