Terri Schiavo Case Study

Terri Schiavo's Predicament

Terri Schiavo slumped in the corridors of her apartment for several minutes in 1990 and did not regain consciousness after the incident (Goodman, 2010). Despite rehabilitative efforts, Schiavo remained in a persistent vegetative state (PVS), requiring water and sustenance from a feeding tube (Goodman, 2010). Eight years later, Terri's husband and guardian, Michael Schiavo, filed a petition to have her wife's feeding tube removed. Terry Schiavo's family, as well as other pro-life groups, vigorously opposed his efforts. Terri's wishes became the topic of significant national debate during the debate. while she told family and friends concerning her longing not to be kept alive by artificial means, Terri Schiavo had not executed a durable power of attorney or a living will. She eventually died thirteen days after the removal of the feeding tube following a court order. Although tragic, Terri Schiavo’s predicament presents an extremely useful case study. The miscomprehensions and conflicts surrounding the victim provide valuable lessons in law, ethics, and medicine (Goodman, 2010).

Bioethical Analysis

The central focus in the case of Terri Schiavo expressed as an ethical principle is respect for autonomy. Under this principle, patients have the right to request the withdrawal of or decline unwanted medical treatments. Appertaining to the standard set by the Florida State Law with the support of Missouri Department of Health director, the verdict about the removal of the feeding tube was based on a convincing and clear evidence resonating Terri’s wishes. Fundamentally, the legal disputes submitted were based upon honoring the desires of Terri, and thus her liberty to control her own life (Goodman, 2010).

Opposing viewpoint

The basis for retaining Terri Schiavo’s hydration and nutrition brought to light an ethical standpoint averse to altercations based upon her right to control her life. The Schindler family asserted that even if their daughter had made them aware of her intentions to have the feeding tube removed, they would not allow it. The Schindler’s sentiments are understandable as psychologists attribute it to a morally emotional longing to maintain the life of their loved ones. The family’s argument was supported by right-to-life enthusiasts who repeatedly mentioned that end-of-life therapeutic pronouncements ought to favor or disfavor the side of life (Goodman, 2010).

Impact of bioethical issue on healthcare professionals’ decisions

Legal decision and ethical analysis consent that the integral liberty to be in control of one’s life is not receded when an initially competent person gets impaired as a result of injury or illness (Goodman, 2010). In Terri’s case lay the challenge of how an incompetent person as her could exercise her right to self-determination. The one alternative was if there were an individual who could wish for Terri, however, in a manner that loyally corresponds to the choices she would have made to herself if she were competent. Based upon the prevailing medical condition that the patient’s damage of the brain left Terri with no important function hence no sensible likelihood of rehabilitation and that her husband decided on her behalf in utmost good faith as alleged, the health professionals were justified in obeying the court order to remove the feeding tube.

Reference

Goodman, K. W. (2010). The Case of Terri Schiavo: Ethics, Politics, and Death in the 21st Century. Oxford: Oxford University Press.