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Since your own disablity gives you a different perspective on "right-to-die" issues than most of us, do you mind if I ask you to elaborate on that perspective? Most of us assume a patient wants to live, unless they express otherwise. You seem to be expressing the assumption that most severely disabled patients would prefer to die, unless they clearly and convincely state otherwise. Is this based on your own experience, and conversations you've had with others?

Yes, it has been my experience that most disabled people would rather be let go if they should go into crisis and a decision has to be made whether or not to bring them back. Most people I have talked to have clear and emphatic DNR orders prepared. Speaking only for myself, I would be absolutely furious if someone--no matter how well-meaning--were to try to circumvent my wishes. Neither my wife nor our children would do so, but my family of origin would. My wife has sworn to block my mother, sister, and brothers should such an occasion arise.

Here's the thing: my disability causes me to be powerless in many areas of my life. I absolutely refuse to give up the power to make my own end-of-life decisions.

I think what you and I have in common is that we would both have wished for Terri Schiavo's power not to have been taken away from her. We merely differ in how we interpret the circumstances of the case and in who we believe to have stolen her power.

I wonder why you project your desires on Ms. Schiavo. I understand people who want to have some power over their lives and see that as a position of strength, but why do you assume that was her position? You assume that others actually have power over their lives. Those who are wise understand that power is an illusion, and some of us even see the realization of powerlessness as an incredible blessing...

However, I find it interesting that you assume that she would want exactly what you now think you want.

Be glad you have a chance to make your wishes known. Terri Schiavo got no chance to speak for herself. The decision to end her life was made by her husband and his lawyers, who, not so incidentally, paid themselves half a million dollars out of funds held in trust for Terri's therapy and rehab.

You may wish to check this site for a general viewpoint in the disabled community, which is clearly at odds with your own.

disabled fight forced euthanasia

At least 25 of the country's top disability organizations were very active in protesting the judicial execution of Terri Schiavo. They all drew the obvious conclusion that if Terri could be put to death for her disability, so could they. Others here will have more information about these efforts than I, and you can find scores of informational links at this site.