Should we 'mercifully' end this helpless life?

Every day we hear about terminally ill patients whose lives and suffering seem pointless to man.  Every day, the clamor to end this pain "mercifully" and save tax dollars grows louder.

Here is a typical case that might change some people's perspective on the issue.

The patient is a white female.  She neither speaks nor comprehends the spoken word.  Sometimes she babbles incoherently for hours on end.  She is disoriented about person, place and time.  The doctor has worked with her for six months but still she does not recognize him.

She shows complete disregard for her physical appearance and makes no effort whatsoever to assist in her own care.  She must be fed, bathed and clothed by others.

Because she has no teeth, her food must be pureed.  Because she is incontinent, she must be changed and bathed often.

Her sleep pattern is erratic.  Often, she waked in the middle of the night and her screaming awakens others.

Most of the time she is very friendly and quite happy.  However, several times a day she gets quite agitated without apparent cause.  Then she screams loudly until someone comes to comfort her.

There is a description of a 6-month-old baby girl.  Dr. Paul Ruskin, who often cites this case when speaking to nurses and other health care providers, says the aged are just as lovable as children.  Those ending their lives in the helplessness of old age deserve the same care, love and attention as those beginning their lives in the helplessness of infancy.  (Richard O'Connor, Chicago Sun-Times, 01/22/98)

   Living Will vs.
Patient Self-Protection Document

What is the Patient Self-Protection Document?

It's an advanced medical directive that

• counters the nationwide push to remove food and fluids from dying and non-dying patients.
• opposes euthanasia either by omission or commission.

• allows the appointment of a trusted agent to carry out Judeo-Christian beliefs regarding treatment/non-treatment if you are unable to do so.

Who needs the Patient Self-Protection Document?

Anyone admitted to

• a hospital
• a nursing home
• a medical institution, facility, etc.

Is the Patient Self-Protection Document necessary?

Yes, for two reasons:

1) The new Illinois law, the Health Care Surrogate Act (also known as Life Sustaining Decisions Act), allows for the removal of food and water from a terminal or non-terminal patients by directive of a surrogate designated by law.

2) The 1990 federal law, the Patient Self-Determination Act, requires any medical institution accepting Medicare and Medicaid funding to offer right-to-die options to patients and record any advance directives signed by a patient.                  

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The Patient Self-Protection Document