Utilitarianism

Terri Schiavo’s death was a morally acceptable death due to the ethical theory of utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is the theory that is good for everyone and not just for oneself. This patient was already in a persistent vegetative state and could not even eat food on her own. Being in a state where you cannot support your main body functions must be tough. Imagine all of her family members and friends who saw her in this vegetative state. Once her tube was removed her life must have still been difficult. Financially her hospital bills must have been pricey and those who saw her in her must must have been devastated. She was persistently in vegetative state therefore she was on and off of hospital machines and something was not going right with her body. It was a matter of trial and error with her case and it was best to make the decision of taking her off of the feeding tube to see if she got better or worse. It took off pain relief off of those who supported her and were happy knowing she wouldn’t be suffering any longer was she was gone. Terri as well would no longer face the pain and battle of going on and off of machines and not being able ti function normally. Yes, her support system probably grieved but it was best to see her no longer suffering and seeing her lying in a bed hooked up to machines. Her death was chosen based on what was best for everyone including her self and her support system.

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The Terri Schiavo’s case is a clear source of reference on the importance of utilitarianism in making certain decisions. Her continuous stay on life support and the limited possibility of recovery only added to the struggles she had to face. Notably, she may not have been able …

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