Karen Ann Quinlan

Karen Ann Quinlan (March 29, 1954 – June 11, 1985) was an American woman who became an important figure in the history of the right-to-die debate in the United States. Her case had a significant impact on medical ethics and the legal aspects of end-of-life care.

Early Life

Karen Ann Quinlan was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and was adopted by Joseph and Julia Quinlan. She grew up in a devout Roman Catholic family in New Jersey.

Medical Incident

On April 15, 1975, at the age of 21, Karen Ann Quinlan collapsed after consuming alcohol and Valium at a party. She was taken to a hospital where she lapsed into a persistent vegetative state. Despite extensive medical efforts, she did not regain consciousness.

Legal Battle

Karen's parents, Joseph and Julia Quinlan, sought to remove her from the mechanical ventilator that was keeping her alive, believing that she would not have wanted to live in such a condition. The hospital refused, leading to a legal battle that reached the New Jersey Supreme Court.

In a landmark decision on March 31, 1976, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Quinlans, allowing them to remove Karen from the ventilator. This case set a precedent for the right to refuse life-sustaining treatment and the role of ethics committees in hospitals.

Aftermath and Death

After the ventilator was removed, Karen Ann Quinlan continued to live in a persistent vegetative state for almost a decade, supported by artificial nutrition and hydration. She passed away on June 11, 1985, from complications related to pneumonia.

Legacy

The case of Karen Ann Quinlan had a profound impact on the field of bioethics and the development of advance directives and living wills. It also led to the establishment of hospital ethics committees and influenced legislation regarding end-of-life care.

See Also

• Right to die
• Persistent vegetative state
• Bioethics
• Advance directive
• Living will
• New Jersey Supreme Court