Humanities Question

Read the resources on the Tinslee Lewis case in Canvas.

This case raises issues relating to medical futility and difference of opinion between parents and

the hospital.

The physicians maintain that continuing to provide care to Tinslee is medically futile, offers her

no benefit, and promotes her suffering. Her mother asserts Tinslee needs more time, different

treatments to recover, and the Texas law permitting physicians to withdraw treatment over her

objection is unethical.

Using the course readings and class discussion material to address this case.

RESPOND: (Choose 2 of the following to address in your paper.)

1. When parents and physicians disagree on whether treatment is futile and should be

continued, who should have the final decision-making authority?

2. How should we define futile treatment? What constitutes a benefit to the patient? When

does continuing to treat the patient provide more burden than benefit? Is treatment futile

if the patient is stable, loved by family, but will not leave the hospital?

3. Consider how this case would have a different outcome depending on what state in

which it occurs: Texas versus Florida. Do you agree with the Texas law or Florida law to

determine who has final decision-making authority?

You must choose one position and advocate for this consistently throughout the paper.

Use the readings to develop a coherent, logical, and concise persuasive commentary.

FORMAT:

Paper length is 2-3 pages double spaced.

Include proper citation.

Use a title page

Requirements: 1500 word

Comments