Case: Spousal Rights in Decision Making

In the case of Mr. Martin, he sustained debilitating injuries due to an unfortunate car accident. As a result, his injuries included sever e brain damage that dramatically impaired his physical and cognitive functions. In addition, his injuries left him completely paralyzed on the left side of his body. He could communicate with others little by the movement of his head nodding.
It was decided by a trial court that Mr. Martin could not maintain the four-part test which determines whether a person has the requisite capacity to make a decision. He would not ever have the ability to have the capacity to make decisions regarding withdrawal of life-support equipment. It was proven that Mr. Martin made many aware that he preferred not to be on life-support if a situation occurred like the one that did, which was his autonomy; his physician, wife, and two friends knew of his wishes before this incident happened since he told them.

The ethical issue in this case was his wife a suitable guardian to make decisions? Yes, she was since first of all she was his wife and looking out for her husband since once again she knew his wish was not to have his life sustained on life support that was documented. His mother and sister got involved in the matter stating that Mrs. Martin be removed as the guardian for making the decision of keeping Mr. Martin on life support or not. Her decision did not have anything to do with financial issues or pressure from another person, it was strictly for the best interest of her husband.

Why should Mr. Martin be kept alive? It was ruled by the Michigan Court of Appeals that Mr. Martin would never regain sufficient decision making skills, that his condition, and cognitive level of functioning would not improve in the future. Plus he did not want to be put on life-support before the situation took place.