Citation

Johnson M. Death Stud. 2006; 30(2): 163-176.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07481180500455640

PMID

16404821

Abstract

The author argues that Terri Schiavo was a "person with a disability" who faced disability discrimination, a view that is consistent with national disability rights groups. The author notes that Schiavo was not "terminally ill" and that feeding tubes should not be considered "medical equipment." The belief that people with severe disabilities want to die is questioned, since many people who acquire severe disabilities change their minds about suicide, and implications for advance directives are explored. Finally, the author notes that although Terri Schiavo was a disabled woman, women's groups did not take up her cause.

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Advance Directives; Civil Rights; Disabled Persons; Female; Humans; Legal Guardians; Prejudice; Right to Die; United States; Value of Life