Do you favour euthanasia?

[Editor]

In a recent development, a federal judge in the US has ordered that the feeding tube be removed from the brain-damaged woman, Terri Schavio, who has been living a vegetative life in Florida for the last fifteen years. People in a persistent vegetative state cannot think, speak or respond to commands and are not aware of their surroundings. They may have non-cognitive functions and breathing and circulation may remain relatively intact. Terri’s husband, Micheal Schavio, had demanded the removal of the feeding tube from the courts, although her parents still want their daughter to survive despite all odds.

There has been a lot of debate and discussions on the pros and cons of euthanasia all around the world. Some favor it saying that there is absolutely no point in prolonging the life of the person who is anyways brain dead and is not able to function and interact minimally. However, on the other hand there are those who oppose euthanasia and their logic is that it is very cruel to put an end to the life of a human being, whatever the circumstances may be. Some have a belief that maybe someday, the deadly disease might get cured due to the treatment or some new discovery in the related field. But waiting for a cure sometimes becomes very crucial for the immediate family members of the patient, who have to take care of the patient, knowing very well that nothing is going to come out of it. Also, there are monetary concerns for keeping the patient on life-supporting systems.

My view on the issue is that we as humans do not have any right to end the life of a person, whatever the circumstances might be. Life is precious, and I believe strongly that even a brain dead person who cannot think can feel his or her surroundings. There can be ways to improve the quality of life of that person and it is essential to take care of such people on humanitarian grounds. I would definitely like Terri to survive and taken care of properly.

Keeping the pros and cons of euthanasia in mind, do you agree with the court's decision to have the feeding tube removed or would want Terri to survive…

What is your gutfeel on the issue?

[Urbanangel]

I think that the court's decision for the Terri's feeding tube removal is correct. I did follow up the story and gathered that she herself did not wish to live under such circumstances. According to her husband, she wanted to rest in peace.

And personally, i do not agree with what editor has to say about human rights and related stuff. If i wre in such a situation i would not have an iota of interest in prolonging my life and being a burden on everyone else.