Karen Weber, a stroke survivor who is fed through a feeding tube, is at the center of a court battle reminiscent of the Terry Schiavo (right) and Javona Peters cases. Weber, 57, had a stroke in December of 2007. Shortly thereafter, her husband, Raymond Weber, tried to have her declared incompetent so that he could order her feeding tube removed.
Karen Weber's family filed suit on her behalf, contesting Raymond's claims. Family members say Ms. Weber is responsive and can communicate. According to a petition filed by an attorney representing Karen's family, Ms. Weber, "Responded by, among other things, nodding her head from side to side, blinking twice, holding and squeezing hands, raising her hand, giggling, and waiving (sic) bye to family members and other visitors." The petition also states that Karen Weber shook her head "no" from side to side after being asked whether or not she wanted to go to hospice.
A state judge this week issued an injunction to appoint a committee that will evaluate Karen Weber's health and make recommendations based on their assessment of her condition.
Raymond Weber did not contest the a prior injunction that kept his wife's feeding tube in place. If the evaluation panel determines that Karen Weber has the capacity to make her own choices, Raymond Weber would likely abide by the decision.
