I’m not comfortable with the idea of anyone being allowed to order the killing of another, or for medical personnel to participate in the killing. This legislation seems to be an attempt to at least block people from making life and death choices for people when they’ve demonstrated a lack of concern for the patient.
The woman whose tragic death inspired this legislation was kept on life support by her estranged husband, in an attempt to avoid a murder charge. Unlike Terri Schiavo and so many others, I believe she was already dead. She had intended to donate her organs, but in a couple weeks after the attack, her organs had deteriorated beyond being suitable for transplant. I think this was because she was dead.
Unfortunately, our healthcare system has deteriorated to the point that we can’t trust doctors to tell the truth about whether or not a patient is even alive. They will declare patients brain dead while the brain is still functioning. (Anyone heard anything lately on Jahi McMath?)
I guess this would be the latest and it sounds like there is still some life in her.
Very important points, Bykr Bayb. “Ethics” boards on hospitals are often the exact opposite. Maybe some organization has a list of doctors who are not on the death bandwagon, or organizations that can help. Keeping someone who has actually died “alive” for evil motives is also terrible. Basically any person who is estranged from another, not a well wisher, has ulterior motives, expressed ill intentions, etc - should never have power of attorney over that person. Ever. This also brings up the point that people should be pro-active, make their medical wishes clear, written down in a legally binding way, and appoint a trusted well wisher to have power of attorney should the need arise.