Still Thinking of Terri Schiavo

Luton's Media World
"The Lunch Hour Report"
Special Edition
Thursday, March 25, 2005

By Dr. John W. Luton
Associate Professor ~ Mass Communication
Elizabeth City State University



Like many others, I suppose, I'm still not comfortable with the position I desribed on yesterday's blog, "Weighing in on Terri Schiavo." After today's developments -- the refusal of the U. S. Supreme Court to review the case and the additional denial of the Florida Court to re-insert Terri's feeding tube -- I felt like I needed to do some more thinking. And since I require the tactile stimulation of a computer keyboard to think, here's what I've come up with.


I listened to Larry King's broadcast tonight and appreciated many of the comments by guests who represent both sides of this tragic dilemma. One thing that really grabbed me was the guest who commented, "Her parents can't even put an ice cube on her lips."


Even though I still believe that Terri's wishes should be honored -- as shared by her husband's intention to allow her to die -- the image of medical personnel refusing a parent's placing an ice cube to Terri's lips is heart-rending. This demonstrates further just how tough a decision both Mike Schiavo and Terri's parents, the Schindlers, are confronted with. On one hand you have a husband who is trying to be faithful to his wife's wishes; and on the other, a tragic situation that no parent should ever have to endure.


As it stands now, it looks like the feeding tube will not be re-inserted and Terri Schiavo, after a long ordeal, will soon be at rest. My hope is that all of her family and friends who are hurting so much will be able to mourn her passing in a manner that is both healthy and productive.


As with any case like this, self-appointed alarmists and insensitive opportunists are sounding a call to arms, as if somehow the government has suddenly decided to declare war on all persons who have a serious disability, or are in a coma or similar state. I hope the people who are motivated by the prospect of political gain will desist from such preposterous suggestions. I have more confidence in our country than to believe that this would be anyone's intention.


In closing, my thoughts turn once again to Terri's bedside where a woman's life is slowing ebbing away -- blissfully unaware of the attention and clamor her situation has prompted. Perhaps this is the one blessing that remains: that Terri will somehow sense only the love and concern so many people are expressing for her -- even though these expressions have taken on such radically opposite forms. How unfortunate it is that people who are prompted by a common love can apply their love so divisively.