RE: [TruthTalk] Ethics question

[ShieldsFamily]

Laura,   I agree with you completely.  There is no greater love than to care for the helpless.  That is why you cared so well for your disabled husband.  (People who haven’t done what you do have no idea what a sacrifice and joy it is.)That’s why I am taking my Dad, who has Alzheimer’s, out for lunch and an outing today—even knowing that he won’t remember it for 5 minutes afterwards.  But he enjoys it for the moment.  And he still needs hugs and much love.   But you state that, “I also believe that her fate is in God's hands and he should not tamper with that.”  By forcing medical treatment upon her, you could certainly say that people are “tampering”.   As I stated, I would have a problem with denying treatment to even someone who even has an infant mentality.  However, the issue I wish to explore here is whether one is obligated to force a person who is comatose to remain alive by artificial medical intervention.  I think that is as unethical as euthanasia; and I think the two issues are often blurred. In all honesty, I have compassion for this man and his wife, and her parents, too.  But she is not comatose.  So, I think  it would be like killing an infant to deny treatment.  I think we should all constantly evaluate the issues that advances in medicine have thrust upon us.  Fifty years ago she wouldn’t have had a chance to live this long, and we wouldn’t have to grapple with the implications of it.     Izzy   -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, September 19, 2003 8:17 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [TruthTalk] Ethics question   I have to finally put my two cents in on this one.  I cared for my former husband for several years after he was disabled.  I wouldn't trade those years for anything.  Now granted, he was able to communicate and take care of his basic needs but he had to use a wheelchair when we went out and could not take care of many of the things men handle like home and vehicle maintanence.  I spent a lot of time having him "teach" me to do things  LOL   My point is that I believed that my marriage vows were in sickness and in health and held to that belief.  I understand this man's dilema but he is not free to divorce and remarry as long as she is alive.  I also believe that her fate is in God's hands and he should not tamper with that.  Izzy compared her with an infant.  Would we stop feeding our baby if it was the same situation?   Just something to consider.  Of course we cannot judge this man's motives but I wonder if he has made his decision based on fleshly desires or on what he truly believes God would have him do.  Laura