Terri Schiavo

Terri Schiavo was a women who drew attention to controversy surrounding right to live versus euthanasia perspectives.

Schiavo was diagnosed as in a "vegetative" state by some doctors, but this was disputed by other sources (e.g. Dr. Bill Frist). Some argued that, even if the chance was small, she could one day be revived from her comatose state. Others argued that, whether or not she could be revived, her life should be preserved regardless.

Those in favor of removing her life support, including her husband, argued that Schiavo should be allowed to "die with dignity," rather than being kept alive in her limited state. Schiavo's husband was the main proponent of removing life support, while her parents were extremely vocal to the contrary.

Ultimately, a court order upheld the husband's wishes and Schiavo's feeding tube and other life support were removed. This topic and outcome remain highly controversial.

Similar cases

• Nancy Cruzan - An American women left in allegedly vegetative state after a car accident.
• Sue Rodriguez - A Canadian woman with a terminal illness who desired an assisted suicide.
• Spiro Nikolouzos - An American whose life support the hospital wished to end. His family fought this, claiming that the hospital wished to end his life purely because his Medicare coverage was running out. Under the Texas Futile Care Law, signed into law by George H. W. Bush, then governor, the Texas hospital could legally override the will of a family if given approval by an ethics committee.
• Haleigh Poutre - An American child beaten into a coma by a foster parent that the State of Massachusetts is attempting to kill.[1]

• Angel Raich - a pot-user who has lost several legal battles with the United States. She alleges her appetite is insufficiently stimulated by legal pharmacology.