In a recent Fort Worth court case, a judge ordered the removal of life support on a brain dead pregnant woman at the request of her family, under the pretense that it was not her wish to be kept alive on machines, after it was found that the fetus was no longer viable. The hospital argues that this decision goes against state law, which mandates that in life support cases involving a fetus, termination of life is not permitted. However, the hospital did admit that the patient, Marlise Munoz, had been clinically brain dead since November 28. The family had been fighting since then to have her body released and given a proper burial, though the hospital continuously refused, prompting the fore mentioned court case. The family feels the prolonged release warrants further investigation and believed state law was used to justify the mutilation of a corpse against the will of the patient and her family. The hospital has had little to comment, and while it is unclear what this means for state law, the situation has stirred controversy on the procedure in these situations and the validity of the law.
This case is really very tragic. While I understand the hospital's actions in not releasing Munoz, I feel that when it is clear there is no chance of recovery or salvaging of the fetus, it is pointless to make the family endure more suffering rather than adhering to their wishes and that of the deceased. The law should be reviewed as this situation was callous and caused the family unnecessary burdens and pain. They already lost a loved one, but they had to fight to see her wishes fulfilled and give her a proper burial...that is just wrong. People have turned this into a debate on the sanctity of life and the rights of the fetus, but I think they are grossly overlooking that of the mother. I mean the fetus is brain dead along with the mother, yet because it once had the possibility to exist, it now hinders the mother's ability to pass on. In this particular situation when neither party could be saved, I think the right thing to do is to let both go, listening to the family's wishes and the law should support that.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/24/health/pregnant-brain-dead-woman-texas/index.html?hpt=us_c2
If the fetus was no longer viable, and the woman was "dead", if the family is asking for her passing, unfortunately there was no logical reason to maintain the life support. The situation in itself is very unfortunate, because its playing with their hearts, so it would have been best for everyone to terminate the life support.
ReplyDeletePeople must realize that there are things far worse than dying. Constant suffering, pain, sadness, that has no hope of redemptions are among the numerous things worse than dying. I definitely agree that it is futile to make the family endure more suffering by having to watch their brain dead loved one live on life support. Life is not so much how long you are able to live, but how well you are able to enjoy it and help others enjoy it.
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