Friday, March 25, 2005

Do We Have the Right To Kill?

Many have seen or heard something about the case of Terri Schaivo. To my understanding this woman suffered something similar to a heart attack more than 15 years ago which deprived her brain of oxygen for a time long enough to cause permanent brain damage. The most recent issue is that her husband has decided to remove the feeding tube that is keeping her alive. he has been reported saying tha his wife would not want to live artificially. The parents of Terri are fighting this decision, without much luck. There is more specifics on this story, I have read an article in catholic news website. I admit I may not know all of the story. But of what I know I feel that this is a terrible injustice. I can understand the removal of medical devices that sustain life. But as far as what I understand is that her body is keeping itself alive, she just needs basic care and food and water. This is something that even those with fully functioning brains need. I do not understand why it is even a question. How can it be legal to starve someone to death. I understand that she may not want to live in a comma or whatever the state is that she is in, but many people do not want to have to cope with their disabilities. But with out knowing what she currently wants or a living will that applies in this situation, how can she be allowed to starve to death? Is there really no value in her life? Is she not capable of affecting others even though she cannot communicate? Shouldn't God decide when she dies, it doesn't seem to He is doing that yet.....

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