M4 Ethics Midterm Assignment: Terri Schiavo's Case

M4 Ethics Midterm Assignment – Terri Schiavo
HSC312
Kristina A. Paxton (Shaarda)
Excelsior College

1. Briefly outline the relevant medical facts contributing to Ms. Schiavo’s condition
Terri Schiavo was home one evening and collapsed, causing severe hypoxia. The cause of the collapse was determined to be a heart attack, which it was theorized by her physicians to have been caused by a potassium deficiency. Because of the lack of oxygen during her collapse, she was left with severe brain damage. Her brain damage eventually left her in what is known as a persistent vegetative state (PVS). A permanent vegetative state is caused by a damaged cerebral hemisphere. That damage results in a loss of decision making and thinking ability. While Terri Schiavo was able to breathe on her own, she was unable to make any intentional movements, or see, even though her eyes were open.
2. Provide a brief summary of the legal history specific to Ms. Schiavo’s case. Include a discussion of the major past cases which influenced the issues in the case, focusing primarily on an individual’s right to refuse medical care.
The first time the case went to court was to resolve the dispute over her neurologic devastation and how her parents and her husband were interpreting her wishes regarding life support. The courts ruled in her husband’s favor, that Terri would not want continued life support and the decision was made to withdraw life sustaining treatment. Her parents appealed the decision to remove treatment and won, because their physicians stated that Terri was not in a permanent vegetative state. Her husband and parents again went to court regarding PVS, and once again her husband was granted the right to remove