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July 27, 2005
Right-to-life appeal verdict due
Topics: Life IssuesHere's a stunning example of where the slippery slope of hydration and nutrition being considered as medical treatment (as in Florida) can take us. And you won't believe the doctor's reasons for opposing Leslie Burke's "right-to-life."
BBC News:Incredibly, during the appeal hearing, the representative of the GMC said that the original ruling had "fundamentally altered the nature of doctor/patient relationships and was not in the best interests of the patient." Need I ask how being allowed to live is against the best interest of the patient?
(...) Leslie Burke, 45, who has a degenerative brain condition, fears food and drink could be stopped against his wishes when he can no longer speak.(...) Mr Burke won a landmark ruling in 2004, supporting his right to receive artificial nutrition and hydration.
(...) But the General Medical Council then appealed, saying doctors could be put in an impossible position.
(...) Mr Burke has cerebellar ataxia - an umbrella term for nervous system disorders that cause a lack of co-ordination, but do not affect mental faculties.
(...) He knows he will one day lose the power of speech and control of his limbs.
(...) Artificial nutrition is classed as a form of treatment by the GMC and, therefore, last July's ruling, which was hailed as a breakthrough for the rights of terminally-ill patients, raised questions about medical interventions.
Background: Cerebellar Ataxia is a relatively common symptom of multiple sclerosis, which I have, but it's also associated with other conditions. These include an idiopathic (unknown cause) condition most often in children which usually follows a viral infection such as chicken pox and a genetic condition known as Miller Fisher Syndrome. In Cerebellar Ataxia, afferent nerve transmissions to the cerebellum are disturbed which affects coordination and muscle reactions.
I'm damned glad I don't live in England, else I'd be in danger of being starved and dehydrated to death, especially since I've experienced numerous episodes of inability to speak, complete loss of coordination, and inability to care for myself.
Interestingly, I've also gone through numerous admissions to acute rehabilitation, and fortunately, at least for me, I am able to blog as I am doing now. On the other hand, I do live in Florida, so I may be in a worse boat than our friend in England. Of course I'll do my best to stay out of Pinellas County and Judge George Greer's jurisdiction, thinking in advance, I have a will to live instead of a living will.
Posted by Hyscience at July 27, 2005 10:59 PM
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- Right-to-life appeal verdict due - Jul 27, 2005
