Ohio Man Protects His Wife From Starvation and Dehydration Euthanasia Death
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
November 25, 2008
Toledo, OH (LifeNews.com) — A case involving some similarities to that of Terri Schiavo has ended in success as an Ohio man has been able to protect his wife from a similar starvation and dehydration euthanasia death. Robert Lavers won a legal decision in his desire to protect his disabled wife.
Lavers sought to protect his spouse, Heather Lavers, who went into a coma after suffering a heart attack in September and had been receiving medical care, nutrition, and hydration at a Florida hospital not far from her and her husband’s home.
Robert Lavers’ sister-in-law succeeded in having the court name him as guardian Tuesday when she withdrew her application for guardianship. As a result, health Lavers won’t have her nutrition and hydration removed.
Joel Kirkpatrick, an attorney who worked with the pro-life law firm Alliance Defense Fund, told LifeNews.com he’s elated at the result of the case.
“Everyone deserves a chance to recover. We are pleased that Heather will be given this chance,” said Kirkpatrick. “Robert Lavers is the rightful guardian of his wife and simply desires to take care of her. He did not want a death sentence for Heather.”
After the coma, Robert Lavers agreed to the request of Heather’s sister, Heidi Kaczala, that Heather Lavers be moved to Ohio where she could receive better medical care and be close to her family. He moved to Ohio when his wife was transferred to a Toledo hospital.
Following the transfer, Kaczala applied to be appointed as her sister’s legal guardian.
At that time, Kaczala did not agree with Robert Lavers that his wife should be kept alive because she believed that her sister would not want to live in her current condition. For that reason, Kaczala indicated to Robert Lavers that she would consider the option of withdrawing food and water if given guardianship.
Kaczala consented to withdraw her application for guardianship prior to a formal hearing Tuesday.
The Probate Court of Lucas County issued a letter naming Robert Lavers as legal guardian over his wife in the lawsuit In re: Lavers.
Related web sites:
Alliance Defense Fund – https://www.telladf.org
Sign Up for Free Pro-Life News From LifeNews.com
Daily Pro-Life News Report Twice-Weekly Pro-Life
News Report Receive a free daily email report from LifeNews.com with the latest pro-life news stories on abortion, euthanasia and stem cell research. Sign up here. Receive a free twice-weekly email report with the latest pro-life news headlines on abortion, euthanasia and stem cell research. Sign up here.
