George Felos

George Felos is an American attorney, author, and advocate for euthanasia and right to die issues. He gained national attention for his role as the lead attorney in the Terri Schiavo case, a highly publicized legal battle that centered around the ethical and legal aspects of ending life support for Terri Schiavo, a woman in a persistent vegetative state.

Early Life and Education

George Felos was born in New York City, New York. Details about his early life, including his date of birth and information about his family, are not widely publicized. Felos pursued higher education with a focus on law, earning his Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from a reputable law school. His academic background laid the foundation for his career in legal advocacy, particularly in cases involving medical ethics and end-of-life decisions.

Career

Felos began his legal career working in general practice, but he soon specialized in cases involving health care law, civil rights, and particularly, the right to die. He has been involved in several high-profile legal cases that have had significant implications for medical ethics and end-of-life care in the United States.

Terri Schiavo Case

George Felos's most notable case was representing Michael Schiavo, the husband of Terri Schiavo, in the legal battles over Terri's right to die. Terri Schiavo had been in a persistent vegetative state for several years following a cardiac arrest that resulted in severe brain damage. The case revolved around the ethical and legal dilemmas of discontinuing life support for individuals in vegetative states without explicit prior directives.

Felos argued that Terri Schiavo would not have wanted to continue life support under such conditions, a stance supported by her husband but contested by her parents. The case went through numerous court hearings and appeals, drawing national and international attention to the complexities of euthanasia, patient rights, and medical ethics. Ultimately, the courts sided with Michael Schiavo, allowing the removal of Terri's feeding tube, leading to her death in 2005.

Advocacy and Publications

Beyond the courtroom, George Felos has been an outspoken advocate for the right to die, arguing for clearer laws and policies that respect individuals' wishes regarding end-of-life care. He has written extensively on the subject, including publishing books that explore the ethical, legal, and personal dimensions of euthanasia and the right to die. His writings contribute to the ongoing debate on how society and the legal system handle end-of-life decisions.

Legacy

George Felos's work, particularly his involvement in the Terri Schiavo case, has left a lasting impact on the legal and ethical discussions surrounding euthanasia and the right to die in the United States. His advocacy has prompted discussions about the need for living wills, advance directives, and clearer legal frameworks to address these complex issues.

See Also

• Euthanasia
• Right to die
• Terri Schiavo case
• Medical ethics
• End-of-life care