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Point of Reference
by Fred Price
The recent uproar over Florida Governor Jeb Bush's rescue of Terri Schiavo from starvation has once again spot-lighted America's shifting morals concerning the value of life.
Mrs. Schiavo is severely handicapped as a result of illness which first struck her twelve years ago; but she did not die nor is she in eminent danger of doing so now – unless she is refused the care she needs. Her vital organs continue to function, she is capable of recognizing loved ones, responding with laughter; she has no terminal illness threatening her life. And yet her husband, aided by a court order, intends to remove the feeding tube she receives sustenance from; allowing her to die "naturally" of starvation. (Mr. Schiavo is understandably tired and frustrated with the unforeseen turn of events his life has taken, desiring to end their unpleasantness – by starving his wife to death, which he says she would prefer over living the way she is now. Meanwhile, he has made some adjustments, having found a companion to take Terri's place and fathering a child with her.)
His legal argument, at least in part, stands on the term- vegetative state; which usually indicates a condition with no responses, no cognitive abilities, no independent life. Terri's life is greatly compromised, as are many who suffer injury or illness; but are they no longer fit to live? Is Mr. Schiavo or anyone else truly qualified to decide when death's time has arrived, or should that decision be left up to God alone?
Ms. Carla Sauer, a rehab nurse responsible for Terri's care in the past says, "She's not a vegetable. She knows voices, she responds. She can follow commands, and she tries to communicate by blinking her eyelids 'yes' and 'no'." These circumstances are traumatic and the decisions made concerning them private matters and yet Mr. Schiavo's actions have brought them to the attention of the public. There is expense, which was cut by moving Terri from a rehab facility to a hospice, effectively cutting off all physical therapy and chance of any recovery. There is emotional distress inflicted on all who knew Terri as she was and see her as she is now. Plans were interrupted, lives altered, dreams ruined – but who's more than Terri's? Is she now merely an inconvenience, a sad reminder of what once was but will never be again? Should there be no one to speak for her but the dis-satisfied partner now representing "her" wishes in court and in the care-giving facility?
What of the example set if this moral decision and legal action goes unchallenged? Advocates for the disabled fear that Terri's death could set a chilling precedent. Joni Eareckson Tada, a Christian activist who is a quadriplegic herself responded in interviews and rallies by saying, "This is deplorable… What's happening here is just a part of a larger effort to class persons with severe cognitive disabilities as non-persons. This case is a watershed for people with disabilities." She warns, "Removal of the feeding tube means you are promoting active euthanasia."; a practice grown out of moral relativism. This value system judges the worth of the unborn, old and sick according to personal accommodation and convenience; if life becomes difficult, pain hard to manage, the benefits of life faded for the care-giver as well as those receiving care – why not end it all?
The problem being that as more people become comfortable with a right to die, others may begin to push for a duty to die; both of which are completely different from allowing a person who is actually dying to do so in peace, not extending the death process artificially. What is being considered in this case is active involvement in ending a life. How far are we from setting standards of positive, productive living from which if one varies appreciably they not only have a right to die but a duty to do so? And who's definition of quality of life must we meet to be deemed a person worthy of respect and help?
Sound far-retched? In an article by syndicated columnist Nat Hentoff, "Assisted Suicide: Just say 'no thanks'", several points were made worth repeating. The article highlighted the possible progression of ideas into accepted fact which in turn fosters action; embodied in the words and actions of Dr. Jack Kevorkian, an ardent supporter and practitioner of euthanasia. He declared to the Michigan Circuit Court his belief that, "The voluntary self-elimination of individual and mortally diseased or crippled lives …can only enhance the preservation of public health and welfare." This lethal attitude is opposed by many, including Woody Osborn, a full-time civil rights specialist; also a quadriplegic. His response to this is, "Americans with disabilities don't want your lethal mercy. We want freedom. We want life." One of his concerns being, "…our deaths are being viewed as more desirable than providing services… that would allow us to live as free and independent citizens." - the loss of which often leads to despair, depression and thoughts of ending it all.
The watchdog publication, Not Dead Yet, expresses concern with the attitude shown "defective" people; that their quality of life is hardly worth the effort or expense to preserve or maintain – it being better for all involved if they moved on quietly, peacefully; which can be pretty persuasive to a physically exhausted, emotionally drained individual struggling to maintain a sense of self-worth.
This dilemma arises out of the cheapening of the value of human life in all its stages. If we begin deciding who should live or die based on arbitrary standards of our own making then who's to say abortion, euthanasia or even murder is wrong? In such a system it all depends on the circumstances and my preferences. As we question and doubt God's ability and desire to direct our lives, we replace his word and will with our own in deciding what matters and what's allowable. In doubting God's relevance (if not His existence), our own lives have lost meaning and value, followed by a general questioning of the sanctity of life for all.
The salvation of humankind depends on our agreement with Hezekiah that, "…you alone are God… O Lord…"; realizing that he is intimately involved in our lives from beginning to end (see Job 9:1-12 and Psalms 139:1-6), and that he seeks to re-establish a loving relationship with us all. (Luke 19:10)
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Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
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