Discontinuing Feeding Tubes

World International

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I just posted this to the UK nurses to hear their thoughts and opinions too...

I'm a Registered Nurse turned Stay at Home Mom now in the US. I'm sure everyone had heard the story of Terri Schiavo and how her "husband" discontinued the feeding tube and she died today. I feel SOOO for her family.... especially that the husband did not let them be with her as she died.

For those who have followed this story... what are YOUR thoughts? Do you see the possibility of a similar situation EVER occuring in the UK?? WHY or WHY NOT?

Linda/CMAS, BS, RN

[email protected]

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Specializes in Acute Medicine/ Palliative.

Personally, I feel it is a personal family matter-a total ethical dilemma at that. I do not believe it isthe medias place to bring forth half truths and sesationalize it to the public. I am sad for Terri, not for this only, but for what happened to her to cause this. But as for the feeding tube debate-it is none of my bussiness and I dont feel like applying the principles of bioethics and wondering wheter or not she had an advanced directive OR a best interest judgement was made for her (or substituted judgement). I am not sitting on the fence or anything, I just feel it is a personal family matter. Jeez, how many times a day does this occur in hospitals and homes around the globe? The answer is ....countless. Just my 2 cents...

Have a good one! :nurse:

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