Ethical Principles Violated in Terri Schiavos Case - Essay Example

. It is not something that must be in the hands of politicians or the hands of physicians... but in the hands of God only.” The question of life and death is deeply rooted in society.

Generally, death in any manner is a sad thing for the kith and kin of the deceased or dying. Euthanasia or assisted death though relatively new has caused much debate. But Terri’s case is of a person who can not decide whether she wants to continue in a persistent vegetative state. She could not decide or communicate her desire. Hence many ethical issues arose.

The personal ethics of her parents and husband were in sharp contrast in the later part of Terris’ life. Michael her husband wanted her artificial life support to be withdrawn and the Schindlers, Terri’s parents did not. They argued it would have been against the wishes of Terri who they claimed to be a devout catholic. The parents were wrong in persisting in their demand even after the courts ruled in favor of Michael and appointed him a guardian. 

The judiciary acted reasonably in the matter. Bouma (2005) opines that “There are adequate checks and balances in the levels of the judicial system, and courts have not acted precipitously or hastily.” Yet the Florida Legislature passed a bill authorizing the governor to intervene in Terri’s case. The law was later struck down by the Supreme Court yet the legislature and executive tried unsuccessfully to decide the fate of a person who can not think for herself, against her implied wish as the courts had decided.

Lastly, the government violated its duty towards the larger majority of people needing medical aid which would have been provided for instead of spending the amount in costly healthcare of an individual whose legal guardian had expressed his desire to stop her artificial life support.