scott is ventilator dependent.he suffered a total transection of his spine at c4. he is only 17. scott pleads wiyh his care givers to be taken off the ventilator."i have the right to refuse treatment! i do not want to live trapped in this body! does he have the rigt to refuse tratment even though he isn't terminally ill or immediately dying? if your answer is yes, pls. depend why and also if you answer is no.
2006-09-12 00:00:46 · 7 answers · asked by jelyn l 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
actually if Scott can communicate he has a full right to refuse all treatment, unless he is declared mentally incompetent, so your question is without merit. Legally he has that right as do you or i.
Scott doesn't have to plead. the people you hear about are usually in a coma, with no chance of ever recovering. They can't make there wishes known.
2006-09-12 00:04:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If Scott is of sound mind then the answer to your question is yes. Everyone has this right. However, Scott is only 17 so it may be wise to consult an attorney and have him draw up some kind of living will for Scott.
Please be aware that the care giver is not allowed to take him off of his vent. The caregiver does not play a role in this sort of decision. The doctor, the nurse, the parents and/ or immediate family and the attorney are key players. There needs to be sufficient documentation regarding this situation. Your nurses will be able to fill you in. Also, it may be necessary to consult a psychiatrist if you haven't already done so. Hope this informs you.
2006-09-12 00:14:48 · answer #2 · answered by Doodlebug 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds very much like euthanasia, which is not legal in most lands. The carers could not be responsible for taking him off a ventilator. If he was expressing the wish to die he sounds like he could do with some professional help, to help him cope with this awful tradegy.
I do happen to know of a 30 something chap with a C2 fracture I used to nurse. He ended up married with a child and regularly traveling around the world. His whole house was geared up to be voice activated so he could still have quite abit of independace.
There can be a life after this.
My heart goes out to you all, I hope things improve for you.
2006-09-12 00:15:47 · answer #3 · answered by lotusbunny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At what point does life lose its value?
Can you assign value to life? Judge by the physical conditions of a body?
When do you decide whether you can take life away?
To remove the system that keeps Scott alive is to condone the act of suicide, whether it is painless, "merciful" or not.
I'm not saying that I am against it or with it.
Scott has the right to die as much as I have the right to end my life right now.
Just think more than twice and try not to use logic if you want to get real answers.
2006-09-12 00:10:29 · answer #4 · answered by lkraie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All patients have the right to refuse treatment--unless the courts say they are mentally incompetent. May God bless Scott! I'll pray for him.
2006-09-12 00:50:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes it is a patients right to refuse any and all treatment if he/she so wishes. The only thing you need to find out is whether he is still a dependant because then his parents or guardian may force him to be treated (how sad).
2006-09-12 00:07:12 · answer #6 · answered by tay_jen1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes he has the right it his life i know i would
2006-09-12 00:05:28 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋