This is probably the best thorough explaination of Terri Schiavo’s situation. I know in the previous blog entry I refused to comment on it saying all that had been said had already been said. However I’m going to reverse my thinking, and comment on it.
Terri’s parents are Catholic. Being the good Catholics that they are, they would disapprove of any extiction of life, as all life is precious in the eyes of this sect. Abortion, the death penalty, even birth control (since it prevents conception) are all off limits to this sect.
Do you really want your government or church deciding your fate? You yourself must control your own destiny. If there is one thing the Schiavo’s case has taught us, it is how important living wills are. Your life is really only between you and your God. I suspect that God finds all life precious, but didn’t have any trouble striking down the disobiedient. In VERY grey areas like vegetative states, I’m not so sure it is clear cut Biblically as everyone would like for it to be.
Terri died 15 years ago. Her shell is still alive, but there is no real cognitive thought. If indeed it was her wish to die if she ever was in a vegetative state, then so be it. Legally her husband makes that decision. Ultimately the fight should be about whoever should be her guardian, not about the feeding tube.
In any case the Terri Schiavo case has become a ugly public fight that should have been a quiet family decision. The state and national government should never have become involved. This is not in the spirit of democracy. I would not want to be put in the shoes of Schiavo’s family (on either side), and I hope I never have to make those very difficult decisions in life. Get a living will, folks.