Brittany Maynard Brings Right-To-Die Controversy To Light
You might have seen news bytes on TV and the internet about a young woman named Brittany Maynard who passed away on Nov. 1, 2014. It’s not just the heartbreaking story surrounding the death of this 29-year-old brain cancer victim that has made headlines. Rather, it’s the controversial circumstances under which she passed away that have had many people talking. Maynard did not die from the tumor that was attacking her brain, but from her own power in what’s termed a “right-to-die” situation. More background on her last days and the theory behind right-to-die laws can help you understand why the story has been making headlines.
The Brittany Maynard Story
After suffering from severe headaches and migraines for some time, Maynard was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2013. Doctors operated to stop the aggressive growth of the malignant brain tumor, but it returned two months after surgery. The prognosis was devastating: Maynard’s tumor was a Grade 5 glioblastoma and she would only live six months, at most. Chemotherapy and radiation would have been painful and potentially fatal. Therefore, this woman decided to research ways to face death with dignity. She accomplished her goal by taking a prescribed medication cocktail.
What Does “Right-to-die” Mean?
Legally, the term right-to-die refers to laws in certain states that allow a person to make the choice to end their life when suffering from terminal illness. Otherwise known as assisted suicide or euthanasia, the theory behind one's right-to-die is that they can accomplish the same result – death – with less pain than if their disease was allowed to overcome their body. The topic is quite controversial, with opponents citing ethical and religious reasons as to why it should be prohibited.
How Can I Make My Wishes Known Regarding Medical Treatments And End-of-life Care?
The State of Texas has not enacted legislation that enables a person to take their own life under right-to-die legal theories. However, you still have the power to make certain decisions about what happens if you’re terminally ill and how you want your end-of-life care handled. There are documents you can execute now, while you’re still in good health and mentally sound, to make your wishes known so that your loved ones don’t need to guess. A comprehensive estate plan should include powers of attorney and other advance directives, in addition to a will and/or trust.
For more information on estate planning option for you and your family, please contact the law offices of Stockard, Johnston, Brown & Netardus, P.C. Our attorneys can consult with you to develop a plan that fits your needs.
The Brittany Maynard Story
After suffering from severe headaches and migraines for some time, Maynard was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2013. Doctors operated to stop the aggressive growth of the malignant brain tumor, but it returned two months after surgery. The prognosis was devastating: Maynard’s tumor was a Grade 5 glioblastoma and she would only live six months, at most. Chemotherapy and radiation would have been painful and potentially fatal. Therefore, this woman decided to research ways to face death with dignity. She accomplished her goal by taking a prescribed medication cocktail.
What Does “Right-to-die” Mean?
Legally, the term right-to-die refers to laws in certain states that allow a person to make the choice to end their life when suffering from terminal illness. Otherwise known as assisted suicide or euthanasia, the theory behind one's right-to-die is that they can accomplish the same result – death – with less pain than if their disease was allowed to overcome their body. The topic is quite controversial, with opponents citing ethical and religious reasons as to why it should be prohibited.
How Can I Make My Wishes Known Regarding Medical Treatments And End-of-life Care?
The State of Texas has not enacted legislation that enables a person to take their own life under right-to-die legal theories. However, you still have the power to make certain decisions about what happens if you’re terminally ill and how you want your end-of-life care handled. There are documents you can execute now, while you’re still in good health and mentally sound, to make your wishes known so that your loved ones don’t need to guess. A comprehensive estate plan should include powers of attorney and other advance directives, in addition to a will and/or trust.
For more information on estate planning option for you and your family, please contact the law offices of Stockard, Johnston, Brown & Netardus, P.C. Our attorneys can consult with you to develop a plan that fits your needs.