The Strange Case of Mae Magouirk

Recent reports about Mae Magouirk claim that she had a living will in which she indicated that she wanted food and water withheld only if she was in a coma or in a vegetative state.  She is not in a coma or a vegetative state.  In addition, doctors claim she is not in a terminal condition.

Nonetheless, after being hospitalized for a heart procedure, her granddaughter has instructed that Mae receive no food or water.  The granddaughter is reported as saying:

“Grandmama is old and I think it is time she went home to Jesus.  She has glaucoma and now this heart problem, and who would want to live with disabilities like these?”

The Hospice Patients Alliance has also reported on the case.  Included in the report is a statement that they

“receive regular reports of family members “wielding” hospice (like a gun) to kill off a family member, often when there is money involved or because the individual with power of attorney believes the patient is “better off dead.””