Law Reform After Schiavo
In the aftermath of the protracted, highly public legal battle over the fate of Terri Schiavo, more people across the country have reportedly completed advance directives to take charge of decisions near the end of life. More of us are talking with family, friends, and health care professionals about how we die. Sadly this positive legacy is somewhat undercut by another storyline. The personal and bitter family battle that shaped Ms. Schiavo’s tragedy ultimately made her the symbol of a cause in a politicized national debate of unprecedented proportion. For better or worse the Schiavo case has changed the way we think about and debate ethical issues surrounding the dying process Many are asking whether this saga will bring in its wake significant changes in the legal rules for dying...
Also: Clinicians & military prisoner abuse, Five wishes.