Originally posted by TweetyBird
>>None of this even matters. She said she didnt want to be like that. It's been 17 years and she has not improved. You and people that think like you want her to live like that, SHE did not. <<
All of this matters! Twenty years ago, I might have said "shoot me in the head if I ever lose control of my bowels or bladder" but I would hate to think such an emotional utterance could seal my fate. Thankfully, I still have control of both, and today I would say the same. But today I know its an emotional kneejerk reaction. Yes it would be devestating to lose independence, but would I really want to die? After a time adjusting, would I really believe life held nothing for me?
The question is not what was or wasn't said 15 years ago, but whether or not the woman is responding (and if so, how?)to her environment now. The question is does she experience pain, in which case this starvation is absolutely inexcusable. We can objectively determine more now because of technology. It is just so weird that someone acting in her best interest wouldn't take advantage of this technology.
We are so used to matter of factly stating things like "it doesn't matter" or "she wouldn't want to live like this" that it is quite possible to kill some accidently in front of 250 million blind people. When we say those things, we had better make damn sure they are true and are not just repeating the easy solution.
1) You analogy is pointless. Losing control of the bladder has nothing to do with Not having anything left inside your head but a brain stem.
2)If she is responding? thats the question? Its already been stated that people in PVS have reflexes. maybe you missed this part. Remember from the court appointed doctor...Unless you think he wants her dead too.
During testimony in a 2002 hearing, court-appointed neurologist Peter Bambakidis acknowledged that seeing the videotapes of Schiavo's mother kissing and speaking with her gave him pause at first.
But Bambakidis noted that such visual tracking "commonly occurs spontaneously in people in a persistent vegetative state." After reviewing her brain scans and visiting with her, he came to the conclusion that she had no hope of recovery.
3)The technology PET would be worthless in this situation since she lacks a brain and has only the stem still.
"In Schiavo's condition, only the most primitive part of the brain survives. That region, known as the brain stem, merely sustains the vital functions of breathing, heart rate, sleep-wake cycles and primitive reflexes such as coughing and blinking. "
4) So her best friend and uncle are just repeating the easiest solution? Those were court facts so deal with it. I gave you the link earlier guess you didnt read it.
I have heard all the excuses and reasons for keeping her alive but None override her desire to not be kept alive like that.