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To: TheOtherOne
"Would you feel the same way if you knew she had requested not to be kept alive under these conditions? (I know we cannot know, but it seems many here disagree with her right to have that decision carried out even if she did make that decision)"
Allow me to answer that question, as if it were directed towards me.
Yes, I would.
My former husband and I had many conversations regarding just such a situation as this.(not the one mention that she wouldnt want to live that way that MS uses to "prove" she would want to die)
His position was, that whatever it took, and as long as there was a single speck of life in his body,do not ever allow anyone to stop extreme medical intervention.He felt even if all looked hopeless, he would still fight to live.I swore I would honor his wishes.
I, in turn requested that he let me go, if my brain was severely disabled, because I would not have wanted to live like that.
I knew he would never be able to honor my "wishes". I also knew that knowing what they were, would allow him at some measure of peace,if nothing the medical world tried, was working.I do not now, nor did I then , imagine basic feeding would be considered excessive medical intervention.
I forgave him, verbally, in advance, knowing he would not be able to honor my wishes.Given his position.
My firm belief in the human soul, and its life after physical death, even though I am not sure exactly what it will be like,made forgiveness easy.
I also know that he loved me deeply, and had we been put in Terri Schiavo's condition,eventually he would go on with his life, but NEVER would he actively seek to take any measure intended to stop my physical existance.
Granted, that was many years ago, before living wills existed or were even legal.
Fast forward to the present.
I am the mother of a healthy normal child.God forbid that some tragic situation occur,and place my child in the position of Terri Schiavo, severely disabled,mentally and physically, but alive.
I would choose life for her.Ever and always.
This is not a situation where extreme medical life support measures are painfully and pointlessly prolonging the death process of a terminally ill human being.
This is murder.
This is intentionally killing a severely disabled woman.
I cant understand why so many people dont understand this.
116 posted on 10/17/2003 5:03:14 PM PDT by sarasmom (Pray for Terri Schiavo..Feeding tube removed from disabled woman10/15/03.You or I could be next.)
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To: sarasmom
This is not a situation where extreme medical life support measures are painfully and pointlessly prolonging the death process of a terminally ill human being.

I agree food is not "extreme life support", but I think one must look to the condition of the patient as well. If she did request not to be keep alive in this sitiuation then I think there is question as to what is correct.

I see 4 groups of people on this issue:

1. Those who oppose the premature death of any individual. Those who believe it is wrong to remove life support even if Teri would have wanted it.

2. Those who think that Teri's wishes, whatever they are, be carried out. But, if there is any ambiguity, one shouuld chose life.

3. Those who think that the law is clear and that in cases of unclear intentions the guardian speaks for the individual - and their decision should be followed.

4. Those who think that Teri is not worth keeping alive due to her medical condition.

268 posted on 10/17/2003 11:55:16 PM PDT by TheOtherOne
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