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Immediate family should be given the decision to discontinue life support for there loved ones. ...
A family should be entitled to make the decision of discontinuing life support, in the case of a loved one whom has fallen victim to a persistent vegetative state (or PVS). ... Judges have expressed various opinions, but common themes are that patients have a legal right to decline life-prolonging treatments and that their caretakers have no legal duty to prolong life when treatment will not restore consciousness or improve their condition. ... Additionally, if a person has indicated whether life-sustaining treatment should be used or not in the event of permanent unconsciousness, the courts will honor the persons previously expressed wishes.
If the person receiving life-sustaining treatment is incompetent, a surrogate decision maker should be identified. ... In making the decision the surrogate should consider the patients values about life and the way it should be lived; and the patients attitudes towards sickness, pain, medical procedures, and death. ... (AMA)
There have been cases in the past where the family wished to withdraw life support and let their loved one pass away with dignity. One such case is that of the Quinlans, after Karen Ann Quinlan fell into a coma her parents decided to take her off life support but were unable to do so because the State of New Jersey did not allow it. ... " (82)
The main argument of the Quinlans is that the right of privacy protected by the Constitution, has enabled him and his family to discontinue certain life sustaining medical treatment, which Karen Ann was receiving. ... (IMC)
One thing to consider when keeping someone on life support is; who really needs the device?
Approximate Word count = 1358
Approximate Pages = 5.4
(250 words per page double spaced)
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