Living Will

In the wake of the Terry Salvo (I know I misspelled the name) I thought I would add my opinion on the matter.

In this particular case, it is a multi-faceted response.

It is a given that the patient will never recover, she will be much like she is for the remainder of her natural life. Her husband has moved on, finding a new girlfriend and having children with her. He maintains the marriage only to continue insurance coverage, or so I am told. He, and he alone, is the one pushing for the feeding tube to be removed, thus ending her life.

Seems to be a conflict of interest there. If I was the judge, I would avoid the legal rhetoric and grant the man an annulment. The parents would no doubt agree to sign away any claim she had to half of their property to regain custodianship. Besides, she would not have any claim if she were to pass, I am sure it would all go to him anyway.

That being said, the parents can pay for medical bills. The husband can carry on with his life and the issue is closed.... Or is it. Further adding to the mystery is his intent to immediately have her cremated after her death. The medical team and parents would like an autopsy to determine a definite cause for her condition and to possibly help others. They would like for something positive to come from her injury. The husband will have none of it. Again, begging the question, why is he still in control of the situation?

Ok, my feelings on this are mixed. If this cat can get the courts to allow the doctor to essentially kill his wife, why isn't assisted suicide legal? Terminally ill patients who either want to died with dignity or avoid the pain and humility of dying should be allowed the same privledge shouldn't they? Are the courts saying that a person who, except the feeding tube, is in great physical shape with no other equipment keeping her alive but is a nusiance to her custodian has a right to die and those you are suffering don't?

I have no problem with assisted suicide. Given the circumstances, I think a terminally ill person should have the option to pass, in comfort, at there will. In nature, animals that are old and tired, or injured too badly to recover remove themselves from the tribe or pack and find a safe place to expire. They will themselves to pass. You see it will elephants, dogs, horses, and all forms of primates. They chose the time. Are we so different? Should we not have the same rights as Fido?