Abstract

The present study, “Learning to Cope With Ambiguity: Reflections on the Terri Schiavo Case” looks at the many complexities of dealing with Persistent Vegetative State (PVS). By its very nature PVS is ambiguous. It is difficult to diagnose and, even when the diagnosis appears to be certain, there is a multiplicity of ethical issues and treatment options to consider. There are four high profile PVS court cases that can help us understand the Schiavo situation. They are Karen Ann Quinlan, Nancy Kruzan, Helga Wanglie, and Daniel Fiori. These cases share many common features with each other and with Schiavo. In the final analysis, the judicial decisions inevitably point us to the ongoing need to live and cope with ambiguity.