The case of Terri Schiavo

[Ashley Weed]

I've been looking for a long time for someone to debate this with. When I was in high school, my friends were very "newsy" and had strong views on current events. I hope I can get all thoughts out.

Originally Posted by SteveO

First off, when the husband married her I'm sure he made some sort of "til death do us part" vow in there somewhere... But apparently he already has another family and has been living his life.

Amazing point! That is a binding act. Someone needs to get across to him the point of "What would you want done, if something happened to you? Would you want her to leave you? Would you want her to leave your side? If she is responsive to some extent, obviously she knows he's there - What would he think if she stopped caring about him if the tables were turned?" I think it is horrible under any condition that she is FIGHTING for her life each and every day, and he runs off and gets another woman.

Ok, as for my original viewpoints prior to reading the thread.

This is a very tough decision. It is unusual that young individuals, or people in general think about having a Living Will. As a general thought, you should all consider it, think about your options, and have it documented, its a painless procedure, and it can be updated and changed at anytime.

My completely personal views. - I have seen this firsthand turn in both directions in the end. My grandmother suffered more than one heartattack, and a massive stroke in the same day. The medical field tried to tell the family that she wouldn't even make it more than a week if we took her out of the hospital. They proclaimed that she would never walk again, and she would be in a vegetative state for the length of time she had. As soon as possible, we removed her from one of the best heart hospitals in the nation, and put her in a Nursing Home. We kept pushing and pushing different types of rehab, and were amazed when she made it through that first week off of all "tubes". Doctors continued to say it was a matter of short time. We saw my grandmother walk again (with assistance), eat regular food like you and I (with assistance), be able to recognize familiar faces, and attempt to "hum" along with someone singing to her. This was all with what the medical field proclaimed her to be in a Vegitative State of Mind...... and she lived almost 10 years to the day after the original event. Did she ever recover, No, was she ever herself again, No, did she ever come home, No. However, she was with us.
In another case, a gentlemen from my hometown sufffered extreme injuries. Was in a coma and a vegatiative state for more than 25 years. He came out of it, and continued his life from where he left off.

As for myself, I believe that there is no way they should determine her ending time. No one can do that. It would be considered murder in my book. If all she is in need of is nourishment, then they need to provide it for her. I have seem the video of her responding, and its a tough call on the state of her mind. As for the husband, I think he needs to cooperative, or get-out.