Would Terri Schiavo Have Fared Better at San Diegos Catholic Hospital?
BY STANFORD ESPEDAL In the wake of Terri Schiavo’s court-ordered death by starvation and dehydration, questions have been raised about the policies of health care facilities on “termination of life.” In particular, are Catholic medical centers, such as San Diego’s Scripps Mercy Hospital committed to a defense of individual lives, which would have made a difference for the late Terri Schiavo? In an attempt to answer this question I contacted Mercy board member Dan Mulvihill. He returned my call but referred me to Sister Josiel Young, stating that she would be able to answer my questions. Sister Josiel returned my call and explained that any request for an interview with her would have to be authorized by Ty Kennon, director of marketing and communications for Scripps-Mercy. Kennon did not grant an interview or arrange an interview with any staff members as I had requested but did supply written answers to a few preliminary questions. What are Scripps’ policies on “termination of life? W
