As per a court order, the feeding tube of Terri Schiavo, an American woman who suffered brain damage, was removed at the request of her husband, fueling a worldwide debate on euthanasia.

Court order

Official proclamation by a judge or panel of judges

A court order is an official proclamation by a judge that defines the legal relationships between the parties to a hearing, a trial, an appeal or other court proceedings. Such ruling requires or authorizes the carrying out of certain steps by one or more parties to a case. A…

Feeding tube

Medical device used to provide nutrition to people

A feeding tube is a medical device used to provide nutrition to people who cannot obtain nutrition by mouth, are unable to swallow safely, or need nutritional supplementation. The state of being fed by a feeding tube is called gavage, enteral feeding or tube feeding. Placement…

Terri Schiavo case

American right-to-die legal case

The Terri Schiavo case was a series of court and legislative actions in the United States from 1998 to 2005, regarding the care of Theresa Marie Schiavo, a woman in an irreversible permanent vegetative state. Schiavo's husband and legal guardian argued that Schiavo would not…

Brain injury

Destruction or degeneration of brain cells

Brain injury (BI) is the destruction or degeneration of brain cells. Brain injuries occur due to a wide range of internal and external factors. In general, brain damage refers to significant, undiscriminating trauma-induced damage.

Public opinion and activism in the Terri Schiavo case

The case of Terri Schiavo became the subject of intense public debate and activism.

Euthanasia

Intentionally ending a life to relieve pain and suffering

Euthanasia is the practice of intentionally ending life to eliminate pain and suffering.