6-2 Final Project Milestone Three_ Draft of Final Project II_ Bioethic

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Southern New Hampshire University *

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IHP-420-X3

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Medicine

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Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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Uploaded by phillipmorrison12

Student: Phillip Morrison Date: 10/8/23 Professor: Mary Vongarlem Institution: Southern New Hampshire University

Introduction: Terri Schiavo, a 27-year-old individual, had an unobserved cardiac arrest at her place of residence in St. Petersburg, FL, on February 20, 1990. Upon seeing his wife in an unconscious state, Michael Schiavo promptly contacted emergency services by dialing 911. The patient was effectively resuscitated by emergency medical services (EMS); nonetheless, she had significant cerebral impairment as a result of the oxygen deprivation after the cardiac arrest incident. As a result of this occurrence, Terri experienced a coma. According to Pavel (2018), a coma has an extended period of incapacitating unconsciousness, generally spanning several weeks. The fundamental issue of concern among the stakeholders, such as Mr. Schiavo, the Schindlers, and the healthcare experts, revolved on the matter of Terri Schiavo's autonomy in exercising her agency in relation to her medical treatment. The Terri Schiavo case garnered significant attention in the field of bioethics, where several ethical concerns were extensively discussed and analyzed. In several instances pertaining to end-of-life circumstances, a notable interplay exists between ethical considerations, medical practices, scientific knowledge, familial preferences, and legal frameworks. The family engaged in a legal dispute about the question of whether Terri should be granted the right to continue living or the freedom to choose to end her life.Following the occurrence, her cerebral function was impaired due to a lack of oxygen, resulting in her entering a condition of prolonged vegetative consciousness. Robert and Mary Schindler, Terri's parents, worked hard to make sure their daughter got the best care and therapy possible. A little over ten weeks later, there was still no improvement to be seen, so the doctors changed their description to persistent vegetative state (9). If someone is in a coma and then wakes up, they may have this condition, which makes them only able to do 1

unwanted actions.After this, Pavel (2018) says the patient's brain function starts to weaken and their level of awareness starts to decrease.The main issue that concerned everyone involved— including Mr. Schiavo, the Schindler family, and the medical professionals—was Terri Schiavo's freedom to choose her own medical care. According to a publication by Harvard Health Publishing, a persistent vegetative state is classified as an alternative level of consciousness. The individual exhibits a level of familiarity with their environment, yet their level of responsiveness to stimuli seems to be less substantial than expected for a wakeful state (HHP, 2020, para. 1). The individual comprehended that the manner in which she was leading her life was not desirable, as shown by her conversations with Michael Schiavo prior to February 25, 1990. Ms. Schiavo made a formal request for the removal of the tube that was administering vital nutrition necessary for her survival. Then, over the next two years, a number of interventions, such as physical and speech therapy, as well as a number of trial treatments, were put in place to help her get better. Unfortunately, there was no improvement that could be seen, and Terri continued to need enteral nutrition through a feeding tube while she was in a persistent vegetative state for a long time. Her parents strongly pushed for more brain tests and exams so that they could look for any signs that might show that their daughter might be able to get better. According to the tests that were done, there were no visible signs of improved brain function. This confirmed the diagnosis that she would stay in the same state. In 1998, Michael, the spouse of the individual in question, filed a petition with the 6th Circuit Court of Florida, seeking the removal of his wife's feeding tube. Subsequently, he expressed the opinion that Terri would not have want to persist in her current position and circumstances. The parents promptly expressed their opposition to his choice and advocated for 2

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