If put in Terri Shiavo’s place, is there a single one of you who would want to continue with the feeding tube? For 15 years she’s been like a 6-month-old baby. . . and will likely remain that way. I say take the feeding tube out.
Now, I believe in the sanctity of God-given life; but, medical advances have pushed the issue too far. Just because we “can,†does not mean we should. Most children are taught this early in life, that their ability to do something doesn’t necessarily make it right. While a feeding tube would be an appropriate way to extend life for those who can function or as a temporary measure, should it be used as an indefinitely to sustain a life where no hope exists?
Her family’s plight is tragic. The Schindlers want to believe that their daughter can improve. Sometimes miracles do occur. However, they are not young people and have been aged further by the legal battles over the past eight years. Someday, they will be unable to care for Terri. Someday, Terri will likely become a ward of the state; and, the burden will end up on the taxpayers.
No one really knows why Terri’s heart stopped beating 15 years ago yesterday — producing devastating brain damage. It could have resulted from a chemical imbalance due to her bulimia. Some speculate her husband had a hand in it as he was already having an affair with another woman. Police investigated and reached no conclusion. That’s all irrelevant now.
Unfortunately, Terri Shiavo cannot sustain her own life and will be unlikely to do so. With babies and the aged, their time in this state of incapacity and vulnerability is limited. She’s been this way for 15 years and could continue for another 15. . . or more.
Governor Jeb Bush, the State of Florida and its Department of Children and Families have put a good bit of time and resources into this issue. The media elevated it to “high-profile,†and the public has flocked to watch events unfold. For the second time, the Department of Children and Families intervened by launching an investigation to see if Terri has been mistreated. The first investigation revealed no mistreatment. The Schindlers requested the investigation partially to extend the deadline for the feeding tube removal. This same department has had an abysmal record tracking and caring for the foster children under its care. Where should this department’s resources really be focused?
We must ask ourselves the hard question: Would any one of us want our life artificially extended if the there was little hope we would ever be more, mentally and physically, than a baby?