Statement Regarding the Case of Terri Schiavo

March 30, 2005

Terri Schiavo’s unfortunate case has helped increase public awareness of the importance of discussing end-of-life issues with family members, underscoring how an advance directive, a living will and/or durable power of attorney for health care clarifies and provides evidence of the wishes of an individual regarding end-of-life decisions.

This has been a very difficult time for Mrs. Schiavo’s family; a private matter has become very public. The profound sadness surrounding Mrs. Schiavo’s circumstances has been experienced not only by her family but by the public in this country and beyond. There have been many voices heard – family, community members, politicians, religious leaders, and the media.

ADEC believes that all patients and their families deserve dignity and peace in addressing such situations.

1. The wishes of the patient or designated surrogate to decide whether to submit to or continue medical treatment should be respected and upheld.
2. Families should discuss this issue and write their wishes down. Advance directives are controlled by state law and vary by state.
3. If you have questions or concerns about this situation, or your own options, there are many resources available to help you explore your concerns.

Resources include:

• Caring Connections offers resources, including free state-specific advance directive documents and instructions.
  www.caringinfo.org
  
• The Association for Death Education and Counseling Web site offers resources and links to help families explore issues related to the end of life, not only this particular set of circumstances.

The Association for Death Education and Counseling is an international nonprofit professional organization established in 1976 to promote excellence in death education, care of the dying, and bereavement counseling and support. Based on quality research and theory, the Association provides information, support, and resources to its multicultural, multidisciplinary membership and the public.

For more background on Terri Schiavo, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terri_Shiavo.

Updated: March 7, 2006