Right to refuse medical interventions -
Theresa Marie "Terri" Schiavo case of United States
In 1990, 27–year–old Theresa Marie
"Terri" Schiavo suffered cardiopulmonary arrest in her home leading
to a persistent vegetative state requiring artificial nutrition and hydration
by feeding tube. After eight years without neurologic recovery, her husband and
guardian requested that her feeding tube be removed, but her parents objected
and the case went to court. The judge determined that there was "clear and
convincing evidence" that she would not have wanted to be kept alive in
this state. Despite several attempts on the part of Schiavo’s parents’ to
prevent removal of her feeding tube, including claims that she could recover,
the Florida state Supreme Court affirmed that her husband could exercise his
rights and discontinue treatments. The US Supreme Court stood by the lower
court’s decision and refused to hear the case.
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