Widow's tattoo states dying wish

http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/europe...eut/index.html

LONDON, England (Reuters) -- An 85 year-old widow is so determined not to be resuscitated against her will by doctors that she has tattooed the words "Do Not Resuscitate" across her chest.

Frances Polack, a former nurse, said she paid 25 pounds ($40) for a tattoo with the instruction and a heart with a 'no-go' sign in red and blue to ensure medical staff knew she did not want to be revived.

"Years ago when I was nursing I could see they resuscitated so many people they shouldn't have," Polack told the Nursing Standard magazine.

"I don't want to die twice. By resuscitating me, they would be bringing me back from the dead only for me to have to go through it again," Polack said.

The white-haired pensioner who lives in the New Forest in the south of England said she visited a local tattooist with a friend. "I don't know if I want to start a fashion, but I hope I will start a debate," she said.



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Copyright 2003 Reuters