In the scope of life’s more difficult situations, either actual or philosophical, the removal of life support after an irreversible brain injury is clearly near the top of the list. The decision to terminate total physical life can be a morally and legally confusing aspect of patient care, in that there is no definitive answer to the proper choice. While this decision to remove life support can be predetermined by an individual expressing their wishes via a living will, it still does not remove the stress thrust upon loved ones who may need to endure watching life supporting equipment being physically removed from the patient. Every few years or so, the national media grabs hold of a story of an individual on life support and some new legal challenge either for or against removal emerges, and muddies the waters as to the hypothetical correct or incorrect action applied to the patient.
Removing life support after an irreversible brain injury can present an incredibly unconventional situation in that the necessity of the circumstance cannot be skirted or escaped – a decision is absolutely necessary. Especially for those with living a faith based lifestyle the decision can present a special dilemma, in terms of being forced to choose between what is part of religious teachings and the realities of modern life. For these individuals the decision to remove life support from a brain injury patient may be akin to a human attempt to circumvent Divine Will, and as a result shake the faith of the most devoted. In these cases, a long and possibly litigious battle may ensue between the expressed legal wishes of the brain injury patient and the family that cannot abide by the patient’s desires to refuse artificial measures to extend life.
Luckily for those faced with the situation of removing life support, there is an established protocol within the conventional medical community to assist with the troubling decision. Medical staff are well educated and versed in the science of death and the appropriate manner and humane treatment of those for whom death is an immanent certainty. Clergy assigned to a medical facility are available to discuss moral and religious implications, and may well shed light on aspects of removing life support that may have been overlooked by family members due to the mental duress of the situation. Likewise, mental health professionals are on hand to help family member s deal with the anguish of removing life support after an irreversible brain injury. Through the combined efforts of all of the aforementioned individuals, a family may be afforded a moment of clarity allowing for a rational decision on whether to remove the life support or continue treatment.
Leave Your Comments