The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Terri Schiavo Case

I said I wouldn't debate you any further, William, but I MUST correct this blatant misinformation. If this is what you're basing your position on, you have the WRONG case.

First, Terri is NOT brain dead by any definition, and if any doctor has said so he is an out-and-out liar. Brain death is the irreversible loss of all functions of the brain, and it typically can be determined in a few different ways. One way is by the cessation of blood flow to the brain, or the lack of electrical activity in the brain. It can also be determined by a clinical examination of the patient: no movement, no response to stimuli, no breathing, etc. Terri exhibits movement, responds to external stimuli, and breathes on her own. Once again I recommend you look at http://www.terrifight.org/ and view the videos of Terri they have available. [Sorry, looks like the site is down currently, but hopefully it'll be back up soon.] If she were brain dead I would NOT be arguing the case at all!

Second, the only "machinery" involved in Terri's care is a gastrostomy tube, through which nutrients are fed directly to the stomach. And as I've said before, the necessity of this treatment is disputed, and the husband has not permitted a swallowing test to be performed. Even if it is necessary, it cannot be said to detract from "quality of life." Many patients who for whatever reason are no longer able to swallow, or who are not able to swallow enough food, are fed via tubes. It ensures basic nutrition.