Artificial nutrition and hydration should normally be withdrawn, says doctor

BioEdge ^ | 3/2/12 | Michael Cook

[wagglebee]

An American doctor argues in the latest issue of the leading journal Bioethics that artificial nutrition and hydration should be withdrawn from all patients in a permanent vegetative state – unless there is clear evidence that they want to be kept alive.

Dr Catherine Constable, of New York University School of Medicine, studied bioethics at the Ethox Centre at Oxford University. She argues that the current presumption in favour of maintaining ANH is misguided. It is not in the interests of the patient nor, because of its cost, in the interest of society.

However, her argument is not based upon cost, but upon Peter Singer’s analysis of what it means to be a person. An individual in a PVS has no consciousness and therefore no interests. In this case, whether or not he or she is alive is irrelevant.

“Excluding any known wishes of the patient or family to the contrary, a decision to preserve the life of a patient in a state of permanent unconsciousness based on respect for life itself is morally no more sound than a decision to take that life.”

Furthermore, surveys have shown that most people would not like to live as Terri Schiavo did. Therefore, in the absence of a living will, “we have arguably committed a worse violation of autonomy by treating the [PVS] patient than if we had not treated him against his wishes.”

What about the remote, but real, chance of recovery from a permanent vegetative state? Isn’t that hope an reason for keeping people alive? No, says Dr Constable. Even if they recover, it will be all but impossible for them to return to normal life. Instead it will be “some state of middle consciousness; a life, quite possibly, worse than non-existence”.

[Tammy8]

An American doctor argues in the latest issue of the leading journal Bioethics that artificial nutrition and hydration should be withdrawn from all patients in a permanent vegetative state

There is indeed an arguement among professionals as to what exactly a vegetative state is...or when a person is indeed in a vegetative state. Just one of the things that needs to be cleared up before sentencing people to death- not to mention that if it is agreed upon no one should ever be starved and dehydrated to death.

[Tammy8]

Originally a living will was to ensure if someone did not want to be on life support or have other measures taken, then a living will was a guideline. Now if you don’t want to be starved/dehydrated it better be in writing- and who knows if that would be honored.

[Tammy8]

I will never forget Terri. I did everything within my power to save her...agonized each day she was without food and water. She passed away on my Birthday and I still cannot celebrate on that day. If hubby wants to take me out or my daughters want to have a cake or whatever we do it on another day. There is a hole in my heart that will never heal from learning how evil some people really are.

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[wagglebee]

Day Eight

A Turning Point in The Culture War

March 25, 2005, Day 8 of Judge George W. Greer's court ordered death by starvation and dehydration of Terri Schiavo. Over the next two-weeks, Terri's Network will post stories of the events that occurred on each of those 13 horrific days. We offer this not only in regard for Terri's memory, but as a reminder that as we speak, countless people are suffering slow, agonizing deaths in hospices, nursing homes, and hospitals in America and around the world.

From March 25, 2005 (By David Limbaugh) - Terri Schiavo's medical condition is in dispute, she left no living will, we don't know her present wishes, and yet the courts are ordering that her husband has the right to kill her? This outrage simply couldn't happen in a culture that considered human life sacred. "Objection," you say. (continue reading . . .)

"We will not be silent.
We are your bad conscience.
The White Rose will give you no rest."

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[wagglebee]

Day Nine

Terri Schiavo’s Parents Want Catholic Priest to Give Her Communion

March 26, 2005, Day 9 of Judge George W. Greer's court ordered death by starvation and dehydration of Terri Schiavo. Over the next two-weeks, Terri's Network will post stories of the events that occurred on each of those 13 horrific days. We offer this not only in regard for Terri's memory, but as a reminder that as we speak, countless people are suffering slow, agonizing deaths in hospices, nursing homes, and hospitals in America and around the world.

From March 26, 2005 (by Steven Ertelt) - With Easter on Sunday and Terri Shaivo’s life hanging in the balance, her parents say that Terri should be able to receive communion. The Schindler family are active Catholics and Terri went to Catholic schools while growing up.

Paul O’Donnell, a Franciscan monk who is helping the Schindler family, says Bob and Mary Schindler want her estranged husband Michael to authorize Terri to have communion.

The decision is important to Terri’s family as it could be the last time she has communion before she dies.

(continue reading . . .)

"We will not be silent.
We are your bad conscience.
The White Rose will give you no rest."

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[wagglebee]

Day Ten

Family 'Grief Stricken' as Terri Schiavo Nears End

March 27, 2005, Day 10 of Judge George W. Greer's court ordered death by starvation and dehydration of Terri Schiavo. Over the next two-weeks, Terri's Network will post stories of the events that occurred on each of those 13 horrific days. We offer this not only in regard for Terri's memory, but as a reminder that as we speak, countless people are suffering slow, agonizing deaths in hospices, nursing homes, and hospitals in America and around the world.

From March 27, 2005 (FBW) - In the hours just before Easter Sunday, when Christ's resurrection is remembered in special services throughout the world, Terri Schiavo's parents sent out an urgent request to supporters. (continue reading ...)

"We will not be silent.
We are your bad conscience.
The White Rose will give you no rest."

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[wagglebee]

Day Eleven

Judicial Barbarism May End in Horrific Death

March 28, 2005, Day 11 of Judge George W. Greer's court ordered death by starvation and dehydration of Terri Schiavo. Over the next two-weeks, Terri's Network will post stories of the events that occurred on each of those 13 horrific days. We offer this not only in regard for Terri's memory, but as a reminder that as we speak, countless people are suffering slow, agonizing deaths in hospices, nursing homes, and hospitals in America and around the world.

From March 28, 2005 (By Nat Hentoff) - Florida Circuit Court Judge George Greer has again ordered the removal of 41-year-old Terri Schiavo's feeding tube. As of this writing, attempts by the Republican Congressional leadership and some Democrats are being made to save her, through the courts, but the odds are long. If she dies of dehydration and starvation, this grave injustice can affect the rights of ... (continue reading)

"We will not be silent.
We are your bad conscience.
The White Rose will give you no rest."

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[wagglebee]

Day Twelve

Rev. Jesse Jackson: Treatment Of Schiavo An 'Injustice'

March 29, 2005, Day 12 of Judge George W. Greer's court ordered death by starvation and dehydration of Terri Schiavo. Over the next two-weeks, Terri's Network will post stories of the events that occurred on each of those 13 horrific days. We offer this not only in regard for Terri's memory, but as a reminder that as we speak, countless people are suffering slow, agonizing deaths in hospices, nursing homes, and hospitals in America and around the world.

From March 29, 2005 (Orlando.com) - The Rev. Jesse Jackson said the treatment of Terri Schiavo is an "injustice" and denying her feeding tube is "unnecessary" during a visit to the woman's Florida hospice Tuesday. "Without food or water for 12 days, there are vital signs and she is being starved to death," Jackson said. "She is being dehydrated to death and that is inhumane. (continue reading ...)

"We will not be silent.
We are your bad conscience.
The White Rose will give you no rest."

[Scotswife]

So basically whenever I see the word “bioethicist” - I can assume it is synonymous with murderous, sadistic, torturous, cruel,amoral, etc....?

[wagglebee]

Day Thirteen

Terri Schiavo's Mom Pleads: 'Give My Child Back'

March 30, 2005, Day 13 of Judge George W. Greer's court ordered death by starvation and dehydration of Terri Schiavo. Over the next two-weeks, Terri's Network will post stories of the events that occurred on each of those 13 horrific days. We offer this not only in regard for Terri's memory, but as a reminder that as we speak, countless people are suffering slow, agonizing deaths in hospices, nursing homes, and hospitals in America and around the world.

From March 30, 2005 (CNN) - The mother of Terri Schiavo made an impassioned plea to her daughter's husband Tuesday night, calling on him to "give my child back to me." Terri Schiavo's feeding tube was removed the afternoon of March 18 under court order, and doctors have predicted the brain-damaged Florida woman would die in the next few days. Her mother, Mary Schindler, uttered two sentences at a news conference: "Michael and Jodi, you have your own children. Please, please give my child back to me." (continue reading ...)

"We will not be silent.
We are your bad conscience.
The White Rose will give you no rest."

[wagglebee]

Terri Schiavo Dies

6 years ago, court-ordered dehydration death called 'peaceful,' 'barbaric'

March 31, 2005 (WND) - It was six years ago today, March 31, 2005, that 41-year-old Terri Schiavo succumbed to 13 days of court-ordered dehydration and starvation under the watchful eyes of a security guard posted nearby.

Thousands of protesters were gathered outside her Pinellas Park, Fla., hospice, surveilled by rooftop sharpshooters paid for by the hospice at a cost of $98,162. Schiavo's estranged husband, Michael Schiavo, and his attorney took turns with her parents and siblings and their attorney holding a bedside vigil during what right-to-die advocates called her "death process," which was triggered by the court-ordered ... (continue)

"We will not be silent.
We are your bad conscience.
The White Rose will give you no rest."

[floriduh voter]

It’s also Terri’s Day and the annniversary of my mom’s funeral. It’s not a good day around my place.

[Alamo-Girl]

Very sad bump!