More of the Terri Schiavo discussion...

Steve Brenneis responds to Behethland B. Clark:

I think you need to go back and review the real facts in this case.

First, whether or not Terri is in a truly vegetative state is a matter of much debate. There are an equal number of physicians who disagree with that diagnosis. In fact, Michael Schiavo had the diagnosis made in order to facilitate the medical malpractice lawsuit he won. Unfortunately, through bad legal advice, Terri's parents agreed not to fight the diagnosis, even though they didn't agree with it at the time. Terri responds to external stimulus and there are strong indications that she does indeed feel pain. Orderlies reported that during the six days previously when her feeding tube was removed she was seen to be crying when the early stages of starvation and dehydration had begun. As much as many people would like to believe this will be painless and easy for Terri in order to assuage their conscience, most objective observers note that such is not the case. She will die an agonizing and painful death.

Second, a substantial body of evidence exists to suggest that Michael Schiavo may have battered Terri. Hospital personnel at the time of her admittance noted extensive bruising and x-rays showed broken ribs, past and current which one x-ray technician noted were consistent with cases of long-term abuse. Michael Schiavo has every reason to hope Terri never recovers. During the medical malpractice suit, Michael Schiavo asserted that the money he was seeking was so he could care for Terri. He strongly asserted that caring for Terri, for the rest of his life, if necessary, was something he wanted to do. This guy is a walking, talking piece of filth.

Finally, we only have Michael Schiavo's word that this is Terri's wish. She had never indicated to anyone else that she would not want her life sustained. Furthermore, Terri was a devout Catholic. According to canon law, if she knowingly caused her life to be terminated, it would be considered suicide, something no one who knew Terri says she would have countenanced. One of the most horrible aspects of this whole sorry situation is that because of the nature of the court order to murder Terri, she will not be permitted to receive extreme unction (last rites). The priest will not be allowed to place the tiny bit of the Eucharist and the drop of communion wine on her tongue.

You cannot spin this in any way to be humane. No matter how you couch it, it is a terrible thing for any human to do to another human.

One final point:

It has been revealed that doctors have begun giving Terri massive doses of morphine. I would say that effectively puts lie to any notion that his will be painless or that Terri will die unaware.

Horrible.