Western countries pride themselves on the notion of free will. This idea of a ‘right to die’ is what is argued by pro euthanasia supporters. Governments do not consider suicide a crime and it’s argued that euthanasia should also not be punishable either because if an individual wants to end their life due to difficulty, then they should be able to make the choice.
But then it can be argued from the opposite side of the spectrum, who actually should decide? This point makes sense because if, as in many cases, the patient is in such a vegetated state that they are not able to even speak, then how can we really know whether they want to live or die. In a case like this does the family decide? Or the partner? Or if they don’t have either, then a close friend maybe?
The case of Terri Schiavo has been immortalised when her case was dragged through the courts. Her estranged husband petitioned to have her feeding tube to be removed, whereas her parents wanted her to live. In the end and over years of court battles, in which the president of The United States also got involved, the decision to disconnect was carried out. In a situation like this the motives of the husband have to be questioned. Did he really care about her or was he just searching for a legal way to murder Terri?
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