SW News: At a time when the issue of euthanasia is being debated in many parts of the world, this testimony of an American about how his mother recovered from a coma will make one think twice before pulling the plug on the life support system of a loved one who is in a vegetative state.

Andrew Lerman of Florida could not believe his ears when a doctor of Maine Medical Center in Portland told him over the phone that his mother Bettina, who had been in a coma for weeks in the ICU, woke up suddenly on October 29. CNN quoted him as saying that he got the call on the day the doctors were supposed to remove the life support system. He had even made arrangements for the funeral and selected a coffin and tombstone.

Later, when he was allowed to meet his mother, Andrew was startled hearing her revelation that she was praying despite being in a coma and could recollect people visiting and talking to her. He told CNN that one should not give up hope on such patients, adding that family members should talk to them as they can hear them.

Bettina remained on ventilator support for weeks after she was admitted to the hospital with COVID-19 early in September. As she had a number of health issues, her condition worsened and was placed on ventilator support on September 21. Doctors told her son that there was nothing more they could do as her lungs suffered irreparable damage.

Andrews told CNN that he does not know how his mother woke up from the coma. He said his mother is a fervent believer and members of her church prayed for her. He said although he is not religious, there is something inexplicable that helped his mother awake from the coma.

Bettina, who turns 70 in February, can move her hands and is able to breathe on her own for a few hours without oxygen support. More details about her health have not been divulged by hospital authorities.