This is a really good question and is in fact the reason I have spent so much time tonight responding to these posts.
Let me say it clearly, YES, I do have a problem with that. Because of my personal experience.
As I mentioned above, 18 months and 7 days ago, my wife passed away from cancer. At the end, I made the decision to end chemotherapy and pursue hospice care only. Thankfully, my wife's physicians fully concurred.
Would I have had a problem if some loonies in "... the legislature pass[ed] a law that the husband's instructions for public policy reasons sufficient to them give the circumstances should not be followed ...." You bet your bippy.
While that was the worst decision I have ever had to make, there simply was no one in the world better positioned to make that decision than me. No judge, no panel, no doctor, and surely -- surely -- no legislature.
I hate to think what I might have done if someone had tried to interfere and make my wife continue to suffer. I might not be a free man today.
My wife's illness and ultimate death was most assuredly not "public policy" -- it was a private decision of hers and, when she could no longer make it, of mine for her.
By the way, was your wife sentient, or did she have a living Will? If so, that moots everything.
Would I have had a problem if some loonies in "... the legislature pass[ed] a law that the husband's instructions for public policy reasons sufficient to them give the circumstances should not be followed ...." You bet your bippy.
While that was the worst decision I have ever had to make, there simply was no one in the world better positioned to make that decision than me. No judge, no panel, no doctor, and surely -- surely -- no legislature.
I hate to think what I might have done if someone had tried to interfere and make my wife continue to suffer. I might not be a free man today.
I don't see how ending chemotherapy compares to starvation?
You stated that you "made the decision to end chemotherapy and pursue hospice care only" -how did this end your wife's suffering?