The Schiavo issue

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by Motorboat Cruiser

Completely disagree. This is not a red herring. The law clearly states that as her husband, he is the only one with the authority to make this decision.

The problem, though, is that she is not brain dead. She is not on the "traditional" life support. It is for this reason that I don't think the power of life and death should be his decision. In terms of "pulling the plug", yeah, it would be his decision. Food and liquid is a requirement for all of us to live. just because she cannot give it to herself we should deny her of it?

How many ten of thousands of people are in nursing homes, unable to communicate and unable to feed themselves? Is it any different because they eat from a spoon? Should their spouse or eldest children (next of kin) be permitted to just tell the nursing home to stop feeding them? Hardly.

As I earlier stated, I would not want this for a loved one - who would? It is an absolutely nightmarish situation. This is why my wife and I have living wills - so that there is no question. However, I could never stop feeding my child regardless of their condition. If they were brain dead and on a respirator? Yeah, I'd have to make the tough choice. Starvation? No.