Terry Schiavo

The issue of providing nutrition and hydration to a non-dying, but profoundly handicapped person reached it's peak after much debate with Terri Schiavo. Her painful 13 day long starvation/dehydration began 4 years ago last week. Her death prompted an increase in Durable Powers of Attorney for health care, immediately after her death. I would wager they have decreased as time as progressed.

The debate however continues in health care. This debate is over the provision of artificially provided nutrition and hydration to non-dying, but profoundly handicapped people. Nutrition and hydration are ordinary care, even if provided artificially. No different from a baby bottle or a straw. Because the person is in a health care facility, does not make the nutrition or hydration they receive medical water or food. Feeding by tubes has been practiced since the Civil war. This procedure is not extraordinary.

 

We need to understand that the most vulnerable among us will be at the greatest risk with the Obama administration's new health care plans. With a shrinking budget and a shrinking tax base the obvious will occur. We will deny health care for those who cannot speak for themselves and depend on society for their health care and well being.  

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