Disability should never be a pretext for extermination.
But in the case of Terri Schiavo, legislators, attorneys and even her husband are arguing the brain-damaged woman should die.
Schiavo, a 41-year-old Florida resident, was severely brain-damaged after a heart attack in 1990. Her husband and legal guardian removed her feeding tube for the third time March 18. Although Schiavo?s husband argues he is carrying out his wife?s wishes to not be kept alive in her current state, Schiavo?s parents contend their daughter would wish not to die.
Monday, President George W. Bush signed emergency legislation in favor of Schiavo?s natural rights ? a bill that was designed to save the woman?s life.
During an extraordinary weekend session of congress, U.S. Congress and Bush reversed the removal of Schiavo?s feeding tube, an order from a state court Friday. The measure allows Schiavo?s parents to argue their case before a federal court.
Late Monday, while Schiavo lay dying in her hospital bed, the attorney for Schiavo?s parents pleaded with a judge to allow the woman?s feeding tube to be re-inserted.
While the American Civil Liberties Union and many Democratic legislators have sided with Mr. Schiavo, is it so wrong to legislate on someone?s natural rights when they are not able to do so?
Schiavo is not brain-dead. She has a heartbeat. Like a baby who is dependent on others for food and water, Schiavo deserves to live. But because she needs help to eat, a national heated debate has been instigated over the woman?s right to live or die.
?In cases like this one, where there are serious questions and substantial doubts, our society, our laws and our courts should have a presumption in favor of life,? Bush said in a statement after signing the bill. Bush also promised to ?stand on the side of those defending life for all Americans, including those with disabilities.?
We applaud Congress to have an emergency session for such a time sensitive and crucial issue. Thankfully, Schiavo?s parents and siblings have hope in her possible recovery.
If Schiavo?s nourishment and medical treatment are removed, what kind of judicial precedent will open for physically and mentally impaired people in our nation? Allowing Schiavo to die may first open the door for legislation to permit euthanasia for those severely handicapped.
As we fight for Schiavo, we are literally fighting for those who society might consider unworthy of life.