Reference no: EM132242087
Case Scenario:
Typically when we think of withdrawing fluids and nutrition from a patient, it most often is an unconscious or heavily sedated individual. However, in some cases, the individual requesting withdrawal is awake and alert and asking for the treatment to be withdrawn, which can increase tensions for providers.
Elizabeth Bouvia had quadriplegia and severe cerebral palsy. Her condition left her bed-ridden, unable to care for herself, in chronic pain, and only able to move some fingers and her face. In her mid-20’s, after a lifetime of facing these disabilities, Bouvia had decided that she wished to die and was suggesting that she would starve herself. She was admitted to a hospital where, against her will, staff inserted a feeding tube to address significant and life-threatening weight loss. Bouvia petitioned the courts for the right to have the feeding tube withdrawn, arguing that competent adults have a right to order the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments. She did, however, request ongoing care to treat any symptoms of discomfort related to the withdrawal of the feeding tube. The significant issue was whether a person with severe disability, but not terminal illness, could be granted a right have care withdrawn. The Court granted Ms. Bouvia the right to have the feeding tube withdrawn and stated that courts should consider not just end of life, but also quality of that life, in these types of assessments.
While Ms. Bouvia was granted the right to have the nasogastric tube withdrawn, she decided to keep the feeding tube and to continue living. She has remained a central figure in US discussions around the right to die.
Discuss whether you agree or disagree that Ms. Bouvia should have the freedom to have medical staff withdraw her feeding tube. In your discussion, consider whether you believe there is an ethical distinction between nutrition/hydration and other forms of life support, and whether quality of life should be considered in the decision. Also, address the impact of this decision on the patient, her caretakers, the hospital, and other stakeholders.