Euthanasia

[NadirGP]

Euthanasia

The Terri Schiavo case [1990-2005] is still fresh in my mind The issue was whether to carry out the decision of the husband (Michael) of Teresa Marie "Terri" Schiavo to terminate her life support. Terri was diagnosed by doctors as being in a persistent vegetative state. [See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terri_Schiavo_case]

The Terri Schiavo case is a concrete example how some people deal with terminal people – by getting rid of them.

Now my question is how the Orthodox Church viewed this case of plain euthanasia and in general, for it has become so common practice nowadays.

[Priest Antonios]

I feel like I'm about to step out with a large target on my back. But, this could be interesting so I'll go ahead and add a quick comment and we can see where it takes us. Please forgive me as I am not very familiar with the subject and therefore I'm sure I will misunderstand a few things.

First off, I think a distinction needs to be made between allowing someone to die naturally, as a result of our fallen nature, and "getting rid of them". Is that fair?

Respectfully,
Antonios

[Priest Antonios]

Perhaps that was not too clear either. When I read "getting rid of them" it gets interpreted as "bumping them off" (murder) in my simple mind.

-Antonios

[Maria]

From what I have read about Terri, there are indications that her husband tried to kill her, when that did not work, then he wanted her to die. Her immediate family wanted her to have the best medical care, but her husband pleaded with the courts to have sole control.

Even though Terri could blink to show a "yes" or 'no" answer and would smile in response to requests from her immediate family, doctors ruled that she was in a persistent vegetative state. Thus, the courts agreed with her husband and withheld all nutrition and hydration necessary for life until she died.

If you have ever experience dehydration, then you would know how painful that can be.

This was euthanasia ... but not quite ... she was allowed to die a very painful and slow death by withholding reasonable medical care (liquid food and water by IV). She was not on a respirator or life support.

[NadirGP]

Perhaps that was not too clear either. When I read "getting rid of them" it gets interpreted as "bumping them off" (murder) in my simple mind.

-Antonios

Antonios,

According to the Medical Dictionary

euthanasia eu•tha•na•sia (y&oomacr;'thə-nā'zhə, -zhē-ə)
n.
The act or practice of ending the life of an individual suffering from a terminal illness or an incurable condition, as by lethal injection or the suspension of extraordinary medical treatment.
A quiet, painless death.

[See: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/euthanasia]

Although the word euthanasia has been used in the Terri Schiavo case, in my opinion, Terri Schiavo was murdered since the intention was to have her dead. Not only medical treatment was withheld, but they stopped feeding her outright. In addition, feeding anyone is not a medical treatment.

Nadir

[Maria]

Perhaps that was not too clear either. When I read "getting rid of them" it gets interpreted as "bumping them off" (murder) in my simple mind.

-Antonios

Antonios,

According to the Medical Dictionary

euthanasia eu•tha•na•sia (y&oomacr;'thə-nā'zhə, -zhē-ə)
n.
The act or practice of ending the life of an individual suffering from a terminal illness or an incurable condition, as by lethal injection or the suspension of extraordinary medical treatment.
A quiet, painless death.

[See: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/euthanasia]

Although the word euthanasia has been used in the Terri Schiavo case, in my opinion, Terri Schiavo was murdered since the intention was to have her dead. Not only medical treatment was withheld, but they stopped feeding her outright. In addition, feeding anyone is not a medical treatment.

Nadir

I agree, Terri's death was legalized murder.
Lord have mercy.
She was innocent, but she was ultimately handed down a death sentence, while her husband was free to marry again. That was his intent all along.

[Priest Antonios]

Well, if that's the case, there does not seem to be anything controversial here. Murder is murder.

-Antonios