Terri Schiavo was considered to be in a vegetative state which is a condition that is separate from being classified as “brain dead.” She was able to breathe without assistance but was thought to have no mental state. There was an increasingly petulant battle between her husband and her parents. Mr. Schiavo wanted to remove her feeding tubes and insisted that his wife would not want to be kept alive in her state. The parents wanted to keep her on the feeding tube because they believed it to be their daughter’s wishes.
The Florida courts were sympathetic to both parties but sided with Mr. Schiavo lawfully. Florida legislators felt the decision was unconstitutional and created what they called “Terri’s law” to prevent Mr. Schiavo from removing her tubes. The law was later overturn by the Florida Supreme Court. Then, the president at the time, George W. Bush, got involved and made the issue a federal case, which in turn favored with Mr. Schiavo in the removal of the feeding tubes. Ms. Schiavo died soon after.
This is an unfortunately sad case that involved multiple stakeholders. Both the husband and parents loved Ms. Schiavo. I can understand all parties in this case but I overtly sympathize with the parents and husband because it is difficult to let someone go that you love but it is also difficult to see them suffering. I also understand that in some cases there is need for the courts to intervene. Considering all factors, I firmly believe that decisions involving the life and/or death of a person should be left to the families unless there is a strong need for