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'''Terri Schiavo''' was a women who drew attention to controversy surrounding right to live versus euthanasia perspectives.
'''Terri Schiavo''' was a women who drew attention to controversy surrounding right to live versus euthanasia perspectives.
Schiavo was diagnosed as in a "vegetative" state by some doctors, but this was disputed by other sources (e.g. Dr. [[Bill Frist]]). Some argued that, even if the chance was small, she could one day be revived from her comatose state. Others argued that, whether or not she could be revived, her life should be preserved regardless.
Schiavo was diagnosed as in a perminant vegetative state, but this was disputed by other sources (e.g. Dr. [[Bill Frist]]). Some argued that, even if the chance was small, she could one day be revived from her comatose state. In 2002, the Second District Court of Appeal requested additional EEG and CAT scans over the objections of her parents which confirmed no measurable brain activity and the presence of severe cerebral atrophy - from which there are no recorded instances of recovery, and which more doctors considered recovery to be a medical impossibility. Others argued that, whether or not she could be revived, her life should be preserved regardless.
Those in favor of removing her life support, including her husband, argued that Schiavo should be allowed to "die with dignity," rather than being kept alive in her limited state. Schiavo's husband was the main proponent of removing life support, while her parents were extremely vocal to the contrary.
Those in favor of removing her life support, including her husband, argued that Schiavo should be allowed to "die with dignity," rather than being kept alive in her limited state. Schiavo's husband was the main proponent of removing life support, while her parents were extremely vocal to the contrary.
The legal dispute over Schiavo's death took seven years, starting with the filing of a petition in 1998 with the Pinellas County Circuit Court for permission to remove her feeding tube and ending with her death in 2005. Following her death, autopsy showed her brain to have half the normal mass for a woman her age and confirmed the extensive damage shown on CAT scan.
In 2003, a court ordered the removal of Schiavo's feeding tube. This prompted the Florida legislature to pass 'Terri's Law' in under a week, authorising the personal involvment of Governer Jeb Bush to overrule the finding of the court. The governer immediately ordered the reinsertion of the feeding tube. Terri's Law was lated ruled unconstitutional by the Florida Supreme Court, finding that state and federal constitutions prohibit the interference of the governor or legislature within a specific judicial case.
Ultimately, a court order upheld the husband's wishes and Schiavo's feeding tube and other life support were removed. This topic and outcome remain highly controversial.
Ultimately, a court order upheld the husband's wishes and Schiavo's feeding tube and other life support were removed. This topic and outcome remain highly controversial.