Really great article that I thought presented both sides of a difficult and controversial topic very well. I sympathize with Gaudiani and I'm sure she has come across cases of anorexia that were "terminal" in the way she describes it, but overall I strongly agree with her critics that her methodology would do more harm than good and establish a dangerous precedent. I don't mean to liken those suffering with anorexia to criminals, but I feel like Blackstone's ratio somehow applies here:
It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.
I think the knowledge that even a few people who might otherwise have eventually recovered will instead be labeled "terminal" and killed by their doctor is just completely unacceptable. As with the death penalty it is unavoidable that mistakes will be made and I feel that the consequences of those mistakes completely outweigh any potential benefits of the practice.
This was incredibly hard to read and also very well researched and written. It seems to me we have a long way to go in treating eating disorders, and at the same time I could understand the argument for the cases where preserving quality of life through the end of life is needed.
Really great article that I thought presented both sides of a difficult and controversial topic very well. I sympathize with Gaudiani and I'm sure she has come across cases of anorexia that were "terminal" in the way she describes it, but overall I strongly agree with her critics that her methodology would do more harm than good and establish a dangerous precedent. I don't mean to liken those suffering with anorexia to criminals, but I feel like Blackstone's ratio somehow applies here:
I think the knowledge that even a few people who might otherwise have eventually recovered will instead be labeled "terminal" and killed by their doctor is just completely unacceptable. As with the death penalty it is unavoidable that mistakes will be made and I feel that the consequences of those mistakes completely outweigh any potential benefits of the practice.
This was incredibly hard to read and also very well researched and written. It seems to me we have a long way to go in treating eating disorders, and at the same time I could understand the argument for the cases where preserving quality of life through the end of life is needed.
I agree, this is SUCH a difficult subject. Painful read but it needs to be out of the closet. Thanks for posting.
Very difficult to read but a much needed discussion. I feel extreme compassion, not only for the patient, but the parents as well.