Terri Schiavo pt. 3

I remember working in a Veteran’s “Mental Hospital” back in the 70’s as part of my training in psychology. The mental capacity of some of the patient’s was severely challenged. Some scenes seem to have come straight out of “One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Schizophrenia, catatonic states, you name it; there were the elderly from wars of the past, and the young more recently from Vietnam. There was no way you could ever hope to communicate with some of these folks, and yet to even think of purposely killing them would never register.

If there is no brain function and someone is on total artificial life support than there are arguments to be made from all sides. But when we are simply using terms like “quality of life” and such for those who are living in a challenging situation like Terri’s, let alone with opportunities for improvement that haven’t been explored, than I would argue there is no question as to the rightness of letting her live.

The efforts of those who would starve her seem diabolical, not judicious. When I hear she can swallow on her own and is being denied water, even ice chips, I must admit I am haunted by the whole scene.

Matthew 10:42 (NLT)
“And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded."

Well, Jesus, what happens if you don’t?

It appears there are many who are going find out the answer to that question.