The case states that Timothy Browers suffered a tragic accident when he decided to go hunting but was then paralyzed after falling from a tree stand 16 feet above the ground. He was a newlywed, expecting a child on the way, but his wife knew his life would not be the same if he continued on in his state. Some ethical concepts that arise from this is the idea of beneficence. She knew he wouldn’t have the same quality of life bound to a wheelchair. He wouldn’t be able to give his wife or baby hugs; he wouldn’t be able to continue on his business at 5 Points Transmission shop.
The person that was primarily involved in the decision making process was his wife. His wife had accepted the faith of what had occurred to her husband and complied with his wishes. They had discussed what the plan would be if something like this were to happen. His wife had given him the end-of-life care as long as possible but knew at the end of the day that this is not what he would have wanted. Bowers autonomy was upheld by his wife and doctor by stopping his life support and taking him out of the induced coma to confirm his choice.
However, given that his wife made the same decision, I believe that was a fair call. He saw no way to improve his quality of life for his wife and unborn child, despite the fact that the circumstances are challenging, particularly with a newborn. His chances of being paralyzed were 1 in 50. (Cleveland Clinic). From the doctor’s perspective, this could go either way. They could have different opinions, but they still need to compile in accordance with the patient’s wishes. From a medical perspective, as I previously stated, he is still considered to be a living, healthy individual despite being confined to a wheelchair.
His choice to stop treatment wouldn’t agree with all outsiders. After it was determined that Timothy had a spinal injury and was paralyzed, he knew that death was what he wanted. One argument is that he was in good health aside from his inability to walk. Some may believe that wanting to die from this accident is selfish, especially if you are expecting a child. Timothy would be able to get a second chance at life and be among the 5.4 million people bound to a wheelchair or need aid from being paralyzed but still get to live a life. (Reeve Foundation). After Timothy got his assistive device he could then “achieve inpatient rehabilitation goals, then proceed with outpatient rehabilitation therapies to maximize functional independence.” (United Spinal Association). On the other hand people that do agree with their decision can agree that living a life so different from what was lived before is heartbreaking. Would he be excited about his new baby? Of course but he wouldn’t be able to do the same things if he wasn’t in that wheelchair. “20 to 30 percent of people with long-term disabilities are living with depression.” (Reeve Foundation). If he were to continue living he would more than likely be severely depressed. He wouldn’t be able to be there emotionally for his wife and child just like he knew he wouldn’t.
In general, I advise doing as Timothy would have wanted. He was expecting a child and is said to have paralysis and a spine injury, which makes this a highly contentious argument, but he personally can’t see past it. I believe he is convinced there is no hope because he and his wife quickly realized the quality of life he will have following the accident. If I were the doctor, I would inform him about how his life would turn out and that a newborn would be arriving shortly after this. Not to belabor the point, but I would also tell him the truth about how much this will alter his life. Giving him hope during this trying time by pointing out resources like mental health support, rehabilitation therapy, and more, as well as small reminders that it can and will work if he continues to live. But because I believe in autonomy, I would also go along with what he and his wife agreed on and stop his life support, even with the suggestions I had given them and the life I knew he could live.
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References
Paralysis: What Is It, Diagnosis, Management & Prevention. Cleveland Clinic. (2021, July
16).
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15345-paralysis
Spinal cord injuries and depression: Reeve Foundation. Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. (2022, April 4). https://www.christopherreeve.org/todays-care/living-with-paralysis/health/depression/#:~:text=Depression%20is%20common%20among%20people,disabilities%20are%20living%20with%20depression
What is Spinal Cord Injury/Disorder (SCI/D)? United Spinal Association. (2023, November 6).