FoxNews poll shows Americans side with Michael Schiavo
Depressing. Completely depressing. But understandable, I suppose. FoxNews has just released a poll which shows that a majority of Americans (59%) would remove Terri Schiavo's feeding tube. Even more (74%) say that they would want the feeding tube removed if they were in Terri Schiavo's position.
And this, I think, is what is driving the poll numbers - people are trying to figure out how they themselves would feel if they were completely incapacitated. And for most people, the prospect seems horrifying - to be trapped in a body that no longer functions, with a mind that no longer functions, or (worse yet, in many people's minds) with a mind that does function.
I am sympathetic. I can completely understand this perspective. I might even share it. But it doesn't negate the points that I was making earlier. First, that Michael Schiavo has abdicated whatever rights he once had to determine what is in his "wife's" best interest. He has too many conflicts of interest.
And second - and this is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. No one - no spouse, parent, family member, friend - should have to be in the position of guessing what a loved one would want in Terri Schiavo's position.
If 74% of the American public would want nutrition and hydration removed were they in Terri's shoes, then I sure hope that that 74% of the population has a living will.
Well? Do you?
And this, I think, is what is driving the poll numbers - people are trying to figure out how they themselves would feel if they were completely incapacitated. And for most people, the prospect seems horrifying - to be trapped in a body that no longer functions, with a mind that no longer functions, or (worse yet, in many people's minds) with a mind that does function.
I am sympathetic. I can completely understand this perspective. I might even share it. But it doesn't negate the points that I was making earlier. First, that Michael Schiavo has abdicated whatever rights he once had to determine what is in his "wife's" best interest. He has too many conflicts of interest.
And second - and this is THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. No one - no spouse, parent, family member, friend - should have to be in the position of guessing what a loved one would want in Terri Schiavo's position.
If 74% of the American public would want nutrition and hydration removed were they in Terri's shoes, then I sure hope that that 74% of the population has a living will.
Well? Do you?
posted by Portia Sterling | 11:36 AM
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