Because it is only used for a brief time, the feeding tube is not analogous to the breathing machine. Furthermore, the feeding tube is being used to bring food to Ann while also increasing her nutritional value because she has refused to eat (Gillick, 2000). The breathing machine, on the other hand, is used to blow air into the lungs while applying pressure.
Frank and his daughter Sarah cannot allow Ann to starve to death. The situation would cause both of them emotional distress, which could hinder them from making decisions. Further, the family will develop a feeling of having killed Ann.
Is that murder?
Letting Ann die of starvation is not murder since it is a natural process of dying. However, accepting the outcome would be the only challenge that the family members will face at this moment (Pang, 2011). Hence, it would be complex for them to make the decision, but the best alternative would be to try to save life since there is a chance for survival.
What would she want?
Considering that she refuses to eat, she would want not to have the feeding tube inserted in her mouth. Ann is one person who does not want the family to go through any form of agony and grief because of her medication (Teno et al., 2011). She is aware that the chance for survival has low probability. Therefore, her wish is that she be left alone to die slowly of starvation.
What is the right thing to do?
The right thing to do is to try using the feeding tube. This is because the physician believes it can save her life. Therefore, it is good to attempt saving her life instead of watching her die of the problem.
References
Gillick, M. R. (2000). "Rethinking the Role of Tube Feeding in Patients with Advanced
Dementia". New England Journal of Medicine. 342 (3): 206-210.
Pang, A. (2011). "Risk-free gastrostomy tube exchange". Annals of the Royal College of
Surgeons of England. 93 (5): 419-20.
Teno, J. M.; Mitchell, S. L.; Kuo, S. K.; Gozalo, P. L.; Rhodes, R. L.; Lima, J. C.; Mor, V.
(2011). "Decision-Making and Outcomes of Feeding Tube Insertion: A Five-State Study". Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 59 (5): 881-886.
