The Terri Schindler-Schiavo Case Essay - 5755 Words

The Terri Schindler-Schiavo Case Presentation of the Case Terri Schindler-Schiavo spent 13 years in a coma, attached to feeding tubes and unable to communicate. On February 25, 1990, Terri Schiavo collapsed in her home. While the actual circumstances that led to her collapse are speculative, doctors believe a potassium imbalance caused her heart to stop, temporarily cutting off oxygen to her brain (Associated Press April 30, 2001). Terri fell into a coma and was hospitalized and ultimately placed on a feeding tube to provide hydration and nutrition. According to the doctors attending to Terri in 2001, death would occur within one to two weeks of removal of the equipment that is providing food and hydration to her (St. Petersburg†¦show more content†¦2003). Five doctors examined Terri to assess her condition, and her chances for recovery. Two doctors argue that she can recover while the remaining three testify there is no hope of recovery. On November 22, 2002, Judge Greer rules that there is no evidence that Terri has any hope of recovery and orders her feeding tube may be removed. On June 6, 2003, the 2nd District Court of Appeal upholds the lower court ruling allowing for the feeding tube to be removed. On October 15, 2003, the feeding tube is removed. On October 21, 2003, the Florida legislature passed a feeding tube bill allowing the tube to be reinserted. (Associated Press 17 Nov. 2003). Michael Schiavo believes that his wife is being made to suffer, and that her present status has robbed her of any remaining dignity. Terri’s parents believe that their daughter has been denied the opportunity to recover, and that with treatment she can enjoy a reasonable quality of life. The legal battle continues today with doctors disagreeing about Terri’s medical status, prospects for recovery and appropriate interventions. In the meantime, Terri remains attached to a feeding tube, spending her life in a medical institution totally incapacitated and unable to participate in the decisions concerning her very life. Framing the Issue This emotionally charged case has strained the limits of medical, legal and moral reasoning. The facts of the case raise crucial questions concerning human life, its purpose, endsShow MoreRelatedEssay about The Terri Schiavo Case and Euthanasia1505 Words   |  7 Pagesmuch of the American public first became aware of a brain damaged woman named Terri Schiavo. On February 25, 1990, Terri Schiavo collapsed in her home from unknown causes. Terri’s husband, Michael Schiavo, told police, â€Å"She had been tired lately and not feeling well† (University of Miami). This incident was officially deemed cardiac arrest, and it was stated that the brain damage was due to a lack of oxygen. 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NursesRead MorePhysician Assisted Suicide And Its Impact On Society1274 Words   |  6 Pagesfirst medical doctor to speak up for patients interested in ending their life, there was an ongoing legal battle ensuing on the other side of the argument. Many American s became aware of the Terri Schiavo case as it gained an abundance of media attention. In 1990, at the age of twenty-six, Terri Schiavo collapsed and went into cardiac arrest, as a result the oxygen to her brain was cut off due to her struggles with bulimia. She spent the next 8 years under twenty-four hour medical care as she was