Going Against Her Fears

A judicial court in the UK has handed down what may be a landmark decision that has implications they may have never considered. The fear of hospitals and needles are huge fears. One woman who suffers with these fears is being forced to undergo cancer surgery against her will and against her fears. Is there a right side to this story?

A huge struggle in this case is the general right to have control over your own body. This unnamed woman has been very clear that she does not want the surgery and that she does not want to go to the hospital. The ruling would allow hospital staff to sedate and restrain the woman before, during and after surgery.

The Primary Issue

Those most interested in this case view it as an ruling that fundamentally alters the way citizens can expect the justice system to operate on their behalf. Some have argued that in this case the woman will die without the surgery. They suggest that it is more compassionate to force the surgery than to allow the individual to die.

Our history is filled with cases in which a dying patient refuses heroic measures to prolong their lives. The patient has been allowed to make this fundamental choice in the past and this new wrinkle doesn’t sit well with those who still believe they have the right to make decision on their own behalf.

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Another Factor to Consider

In the case of this unnamed patient authorities also took into consideration the fact that she faces certain mental challenges that they believe hampers her ability to make an objective and informed decision regarding her health and safety.

But Wait, There’s More…

Last year this same court allowed a petitioner to file for the right to die. This patient lived with Multiple Sclerosis and sought to refuse treatments and hasten her death. The court approved the request.

This causes many observers to wonder if there is duplicity in the actions of the court. They are left to consider why the court could allow death in one instance and insist on heroic measures to save a life in this new case.

Prevailing Determinate

As you might expect the primary reason the court has decided to use heroic measures in this case is that the patient may not be able to make an informed choice in what health care she might receive or refuse in order to sustain life.

Why it’s an Issue

Some feel that by taking this step toward court ordered care there has been a bold new step toward government controlled health management. They feel that this makes it possible for the court to decide in favor or against life without regard for how an individual may feel about that decision.

Only time will tell if this issue essentially opens a Pandora’s box of issues related to health care in the UK – and beyond. However, it remains clear that fear is a factor in this case and the fear is trumped by the declaration of a court.