More Surrogates Challenged over End-of-Life Treatment Decisions

Last week, the "wife versus daughter" conflict over the treatment of Casey Kasem got worldwide attention.  And, hopefully, that coverage will prompt more and better advance care planning.  



Still, family conflicts over end-of-life treatment remain common.  For example, take this week's case from Jefferson County, Texas.



Last Sunday, 54-year-old Terry Martin's heart stopped beating.  His estranged wife, Debi, permitted Baptist Beaumont Hospital to discontinue life-sustaining treatment.  But she's been estranged from Terry Martin for nine years.  Martin's brother believes that Debi Martin is the life insurance beneficiary of the estate.  Suspecting bad motives, the brother obtained a 14-day TRO, ordering the hospital to continue treatment.