Ragona v. Preate

MUNLEY, J.,

Before the court is guardian Joseph Ragona’s action in declaratory judgment, pursuant to the Declaratory Judgments Act, 42 Pa.C.S. §§7531-7541, seeking authorization for the removal of a nasogastric feeding tube from his incompetent wife, Ruth Ragona. Ruth Ragona is a 64-year-old patient in a persistent *203vegetative state with no hope of recovery. Petitioner requests that the court recognize Mrs. Ragona’s constitutional and common-law right to refuse life-sustaining nutrition by artificial means.

Embarking on this task, we are mindful that Ruth Ragona’s right to self-determination is…