A Tale of Two Cases

One can remember vividly the case of Terri Schiavo, the handicapped woman who was murdered by her husband, his lawyer, and the judicial system, and the questions it raised on whether or not one can take away the life of another human being because the person is not capable of making that decision themselves and had no living will to determine what the case may be. There is no question in my mind that Terri's case was that of euthanasia because she certainly was alert and was feeling pain as a result of the starvation and dehydration that was imposed on her by an unloving husband and a cruel legal system that permits the killing of 3,000 children everyday in the United States. But the reason I'm bringing euthanasia up is because of not one, but two new cases that are different, and yet similar.

I read on FoxNews.com two cases, one in England and the other in its dominion, Canada, in which "playing God" is involved:

-CASE ONE - Frances Inglis, 57, of West London was found guilty of murder for administering a leathal dose of heroin (her second attempt, she was out on bail when she successfully ODd him) to her 22-year old son Thomas. Thomas suffered serious brain injury after he jumped out of a moving ambulance in 2007. Doctors determined that Thomas was in a persistent vegitative state, but not terminally ill.

-CASE TWO - 3-month old Isaiah May was born in Edmonton with the umbilical cord tied around his neck. Being deprived of oxygen, Isaiah was inhaling amniotic fluid and fecal matter. Isaiah is still alive, being given oxygen through a ventilator and being fed by a feeding tube, but under Canadian law, the doctors can remove the means of life support at any time they deem appropriate. Isaiah's parents Isaac and Rebecca May are fighting the hospital to keep baby Isaiah alive. Recently, the Canadian courts gave them a stay, and they are now getting Isaiah assessed by an independent doctor.

Debate it any way you want, the two cases are euthanasia cases. One medical, the not by medical means. One life ended, the other life hanging on the balance of medical ethics and the judicial system of Canada. Both a litmus test on where morality in this troubled world has gone.

Let me just lay out the Catholic Church's position on the sensitive issue, which is also my position. Ven. John Paul II, a little over a year before he went to his eternal reward, said in regards to those in a persistent vegitative state "The sick person in a 'vegetative state', awaiting recovery or a natural end, still has the right to basic health care (nutrition, hydration, cleanliness, warmth, etc.), and to the prevention of complications related to his confinement to bed. He also has the right to appropriate rehabilitative care and to be monitored for clinical signs of eventual recovery". In the Inglis case, it is already wrong because it is illegal to give heroin to someone it has not been perscribed to in the United Kingdom. To try and kill her son not once, but twice, is certainly heart wrenching and flat out cold.

Then there is the case of baby Isaiah May. Dr. Rosamond Rhodes, professor of medical education and director of bioethics at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, told Fox News "For the parents, they’re saying, ‘for my baby to continue life,’ is a benefit to them and they don’t want to end it. While the hospital is saying he will never recover, and it’s clearly a medical fact that they have established". It amazes me how these doctors who promise to fight for their patients can so easily give up on such a young life that has great potential. Then again, these are the same doctors that believe if a child in the womb has down syndrome, it's OK to kill it. Not only that, they refuse to let the parents, the primary care givers of that child, who will shower the child with love and affection, not take care of the child and give it that love, respect, and happiness he or she deserves, not only as next of kin, but as co-creators with God.

Appalling.

I pray that people will rise up and help to rebuild the Culture of Life, a civilization of love, that will conquer the powers of death, and submit to the authority of Him Who alone possesses the right to give life and take life. May Christ reign!