Wednesday, September 22, 2004
The Case of Terri Schiavo
By Fr. William P. Saunders
Herald Columnist
(From the issue of 9/23/04)
A friend of mine and I had an argument over Terri Schiavo as to whether food and water should be stopped to allow her to die. I said that to do so would really be like killing her. She said that she is going to die anyway. Is there any Church teaching on this matter? — A reader in Leesburg
The question of withdrawing food and water from a person who is disabled, in a coma or what is called a persistent vegetative state has become a moral battleground. This question has come into the spotlight with the case of Terry Schiavo, who, when she was 26, collapsed (under suspicious circumstances), was deprived of oxygen, and was left severely disabled. Presently, she is receiving nourishment through a feeding tube, which her husband wants to have removed. A court battle has ensued between the husband and Terry’s parents, who want nourishment to continue. What then is the moral guidance in this and similar situations?
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