Choices: The Terri Shiavo Story
The spectacle created by the death of Terri Shiavo caused us to collectively witness a private family matter become a national debate. While sides were chosen and champions selected to fight over this very personal issue, the real message was: Who will choose for you?
Graceland University and the Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa are sponsoring a free public forum called Choices: The Terri Shiavo Story on Thursday, April 21 st at 7:00 p.m. in 218 Zimmerman on the Graceland University campus. The presentation features Bob Mesle, Ph. D., Professor of Philosophy & Religion at Graceland University, George Jones, J.D. a practicing attorney in Lamoni, and Dr Patricia Magle, Medical Director of the Community Health Centers of Southern Iowa.
Dr Mesle, who is coordinating this program, teaches Medical Ethics at Graceland University and is a member of the Center for Practical Bioethics in Kansas City, MO . “We can’t let the tragedy of Terri Schiavo go without learning from it,” Dr. Mesle emphasized. “The very important lesson for all of us to learn is that we must make end-of-life choices before it is too late, or someone else will make them for us.”
“Many people think that a Living Will means an individual has chosen not to keep living by artificial means when permanently unconscious or otherwise dying .” Jones said. “On the contrary, a Living Will which is also known as an Advanced Health Care Directive lets you decide whether or not you would like to be kept on artificial life support when you are unable to speak for yourself.”
“Many times, I see people when it is too late, and they have not made their end-of-life decision,” Dr. Magle added. “I have watched their loved ones struggle over this decision. Sometimes, it even splits up families. I know first hand how important it is to tell people what you want – to make your last decision one that unites your loved ones.”
The public is invited to attend this free session and learn about legal, ethical, and medical aspects of the Terri Schiavo case to gain a better understanding of end-of-life decisions and assistance in completing a living will. No reservations are necessary.