The Many Debates Brought by the Passing of One Life
World Journal, Editorial, Yu Ru Chen, translated by Yvonne Lee, Posted: Mar 31, 2005
Terri Schiavo, who for 15 years depended on a feeding tube to sustain her life, finally had the tube removed and walked life’s final path after a legal fight that shocked the country. In this case there are many touching stories and issues worthy of deep reflection.
Terri’s parents loved her deeply and tried their utmost to save her life. They should have no regrets. It is rare for Congress to enact special legislation, to recall members for a session, and for the President to sign it into law at midnight -- all because of her parents’ efforts. Now with all the legal venues exhausted , Terri’s parents did not receive permission to reinsert her feeding tube. Even their hope for an Easter dinner for her was rejected. By law, Schiavo’s husband is her guardian and his position could not be stripped away. This is a fight about the rights of family members.
Schiavo’s husband didn’t have it easy either. How many opponents see him as a murderer? Some media also said he had benefited from his wife. This is the husband who had stood by his vegetative- state wife’s bedside for 15 years and finally allowed her to die naturally because he believed that he was abiding by her wishes. Now he is subject of unjust attacks and endless lawsuits.
People who save lives are praised as heroes. But society is stingy with affirmation for those who end a life. This may not be fair to Schiavo’s husband. In truth, the decision to pull the tubes and to face the legal challenges also requires courage. Wouldn’t it be easy to allow Terri Schiavo to continue as neither alive nor dead? Michael could have gone with the tide. If it wasn’t his firm belief it was best for his wife, he wouldn’t have to bear the name as a murderer and the attacks from society.
Even as it has stirred controversy, the American government’s unprecedented mobilization because of their deep concern for life is very moving. Faced with the Florida court’s decision, the Bush government relied on its majority advantage in Congress and used its administrative power to single-handedly enact a law to move Schiavo’s legal jurisdiction to federal court. There is definitely concern over expanding federal jurisdictions, and this may set a bad precedent. This is a fight for state rights. However, by using this legislative method to give the right to the courts to decide, it has shown no matter how strong rule a government, it still respects the judiciary branch. This is America’s proudest political capital: it shows that the Democratic process is deeply rooted in people’s hearts.
However, the judicial system did not appease the White House and Congress. Even after the case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, the court still ruled to abide by the original decision not to replace the feeding tube. The decision of a few judges went against possibly the majority of Americans’ opinion. But the people willingly accepted their decision. Their trust in the political system, and the complete reliance on the judges, are the most silent and touching aspect of this. No one protested the decision, or resorted to violence. The American people’s conduct is proudly the best in the world. Further, because of the federal and state courts’ collective decisions, and the public’s support for the legal points of views, that allowed the Schiavo case to end calmly. This special case did not destroy the normal judicial process and this system and its wisdom is definitely worthy of trust.
Finally this is about a fight for one life. But Schiavo allowed all Americans to have a real opportunity to examine the question of life and death. What is the meaning of life? Is it the existence of a body or a soul? Almost everyone has an answer: They do not want to be the second Schiavo. As to the quality of life, is the case trying to extend frailty or promote dignity? I believe many people have already made this choice in their personal lives. This has boosted the popularity of the living will or medical directives in the country. Many have gone from fear and avoidance to talking about death openly and confronting it. They have begun to seriously consider and prepare for the event of incapacity. It is definitely huge progress. Humans cannot choose to be born, we ought to make the choice over our own death responsibly. The concept of a right to die will eventually be accepted in America.
As for the religious, it may be more in step with God’s directive to not use the tubes if the doctors have confirmed there would be no hope to save the life. As to the body already inserted with tubes, even though it was a human who would pull the tubes, it allows the body to naturally pass on. Schiavo’s case provided this statement: She will finally return to a natural death. For Schiavo, her purpose and mission in life may be reflected to all of us in her death.
Related Stories:
No Help for the Dying
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