- Patient whom fell in a coma for 10 years who ended up passing away due to acute pneumia. 
- Family asked to remove respirator due to no longer having hope for recovery after 1 year. Doctors refused, causing law suit. 
- Decision was family had power to make decision, and that no one could be held criminally liable for removing the life-support systems.

1976 Case of Karen Ann Quinlan

- David Rivlin was an individual who became quadriplegic and sought death rather than living in a nursing home.
- He was granted his wish by a Michigan District Court, by having his life-support system disconnected.

1989 Case of David Rivlin

- Howe wanted to stay alive as long as she  could continue to enjoy family visits.
- By March, she was alert but no longer able to respond to facial nor bodily movements.
- Hospital argued with daughter to discontinue ventilator, which daughter ended up agreeing with on June 30 (Howe died before that day however).
- Questioning of reasons for hospital to discontinue end of life practices.

2005 Case of Barbara Howe

- A case brought forth by 5 physicians challenging Washington's ban on physician-assisted suicide.
- District Court, Ninth Circuit Court, and Supreme court all sided with the physicians.

Washington v. Glucksberg, 521 U.S. 702 (1997)

- Patient suffering from Cerebral Palsy whom expressed a desire to end her life by self starvation.
- Court in California issued a court order to let the hospital attempt to force feed her through nasogastric tube, resulting in Elizabeth suing the hospital.
- California Court of Appeals supported her belief  in wanting to remove nasogastric tube due to the fundamental right to refuse treatment, her rights are above the state's interests, not continuing treatment isn't the same as assisted suicide, and quality of life.

Bouvia v. Superior Court, 179 Cal. App. 3d 112, 225 Cal. Rptr. 297 (1986)

A prolonged legal battle over Terri Schiavo's life support unfolded, with her husband arguing that she would not have wanted to be kept alive without cognitive function, while her parents strongly opposed removing her feeding tube. The dispute progressed through both Florida state and federal courts. Ultimately, in 2005, the courts ruled in favor of her husband's position. Consequently, Schiavo's feeding tube was removed on March 18, 2005, and she passed away 13 days later.

Case of Terri Schiavo: Legal Dispute and Outcome

- Bouvia v. Superior Court,179 Cal. App. 3d 112, 225 Cal. Rptr. 297 (1986)
- 1989 Case of David Rivlin
- In Re Quinlan 70 N.J. 10, 355 A.2d 647 (1976)
- Washington v. Glucksberg, 521 U.S. 702 (1997)
- 1998-2005 Case of Terri Schiavo
- 2005 Case of Barbara Howe

Michigan State University

Grinnell College

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

- Important Cases
- Important Movements
- Important Figures
- Summarization of End of Life Treatment in Disability History

History of End of Life Treatment in Disability History

Important Figures of Bioethics in Disability History

- Americans Disabled for Attendant Programs Today
- Disability Rights Movement
- Not Dead Yet

Important Movements/Organizations of Bioethics in Disability History

Case Law Regarding Bioethics in Disability History

- When it came to the medical view of disabilities, it was difficult to understand disabilities through an emotional viewpoint. Instead, methodical developments to treat disabilities were developed (see "Important Figures of Bioethics in Disability History").
- During the late 1900s, many cases involving the medical professional's role in continuing or discontinuing treatment occured, which overall gave the family first say in these situations (see "Case Law Regarding Bioethics in Disability History")
- Organizations related to Disability rights began to develop, focusing on rights such as those with disabilities being able to refuse: assisted suicide, life-sustaining treatment, and living at the nursing home. (See Important Movements/Organizations of Bioethics in Disability History").

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