scott is ventilator dependent.he suffered a total transection of his spine at c4. he is only 17. scott pleads with 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 treatment even though he isn't terminally ill or immediately dying.
2006-09-16 20:04:05 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Like the answers above, the fact that he is seventeen would cause problems. A court case would have to ensue for him to be declared an adult. Second, how long has he been on a respirator? He could be in a healing process, though it may be unbearable, it is pushing him in the right direction. I also feel that a person should have the right to choose to die. I think that this person should wait for several months, weeks at least, to see if there is any improvement in their condition. Also, the patient should research the illness or injury in depth to see if any cures or procedures are on the near horizon. It is an incredibly difficult situation. On one hand, he is 17, still a child in so many ways and on the other, everyone has a right to not suffer. I wish him an end to his suffering, what ever way that may be.
2006-09-16 20:36:06 · answer #1 · answered by Philosophy Buff 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I can tell you from experience Scott is depressed andI was once in his shoes so no he does not have the right to take his own life because he is alive for a reason. Right now he hasn't a clue as to what is or isn't meant to be. If I had had my way I wouldn't of been alive these past serveral years soI can tell you that he isn't thinking rationally at this point in his life. Gos has him here ffor a reason I don't know what it is no more then you or he does but it is something worth while which he and only he can do or he wouldn't of made it this far trust me. I crushed both heels and busted my left ankle> I was told I would never walk again by several different doctors and if I'd had my way I was ready and willing to end it all because without my legs I didn't want to live. Well I went to Ohio and I found a doctor who did the surgery so I could walk again and tell my story about how I ended up with two crushed heels and a busted ankle. How I was almost dead in Atlanta Ga. strubg out on Crack coain and not thinking clearly I had the three H's homeless helpless and hopeless and Scott has one of them that I know of he is hopeless. Look he has a story to tell and he can do it on a ventilator. There are others just like him and millions who would love to hear his story. He is only 17 instead of striving to die he should be working to live---To live out a wonderful life one which will help him and the world to understand what it is like to be his age and needing help and guidance. I hope he doesn't give in to his depression and strives to live a great life. There is so much he could be doing such as writing a book about his life and what he sees as far as our laws are concerned. How did he get so depressed and not want to live is what I'm wondering. There is allot more to it and I'd like his email address so I can contact him.It just makes me mad that he's giving up at 17 come on Scott be a fighter not a quitter. So your on a ventalater big deal I had a sister who died at 18 in a car wreck at least your alive and able to communicte your wants she isn't and never will be again. Stop feeling sorry for your self and set some goals that are worth fighting for.You want to die if you spent as much energy trying to live that you are on trying to die gosh I have no doubt you will make some enormous changes in this world. Scott does not have the right nor any bussiness ending his life! Granted he is haddicapped but he's not dead and 17 or even 18 is just the begining of his life he may not like me when it is all said and dione but at least he will have a long and productive life to hate me in. Scott you have a great day! You can contact me anytime you want to be mad at me I will be happy to let you vent any time you want day or night because my sister is not here on a ventilater to do so. Gosh I would give my own life if she had the opportunity that you have been given please do not waste the time God has given you on this earth.
2006-09-17 03:32:24 · answer #2 · answered by yahoo 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
<>This could be a very tricky question. In most cases, persons are not considered responsible adults until at least 18, if not 21. This certainly requires the consultation with a lawyer. And try to choose one with expertise in this area- ask them if they've handled this kind of case before!
2006-09-17 03:18:52 · answer #3 · answered by druid 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he is not of legal age in his state, no he doesn't have a say.
If he can't get his family to cooperate in gettting him off a ventilator, he can ask to see the hospital Ombudsman or a Social Worker.
2006-09-18 15:02:06 · answer #4 · answered by Big Bear 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Seventeen is not a legal adult.
How recently did this happen? Perhaps his outlook will change with time.
2006-09-17 03:06:43 · answer #5 · answered by Rvn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, seems smart enough to me.
2006-09-17 03:36:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
legal adult , yes
2006-09-17 03:05:31 · answer #7 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋