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Not Dead Yet

The Terri Schiavo case contains questions of constitutional law and the legal rights of the disabled, of course, but moral issues, as James Q. Wilson recently pointed out, are dominant. The effort to save or destroy Schiavo’s life is a reflection of the Culture War going on in the West. Leaders of both the Right and the Left responded somewhat predictably to Schiavo’s plight. Conservatives, at least those concerned about moral issues, tended to defend the 41-year-old woman’s right to live. “Progressives,” eager to tout their compassion on other occasions, tended to be willing if not eager to let her die of starvation and thirst.

Wilson, an exceptionally thoughtful scholar often associated with conservatism, wrote in the Wall Street Journal, “What is lacking in this matter is not the correct set of jurisdictional rules but a decent set of moral imperatives.” He continued, “That moral imperative should be that medical care cannot be withheld from a person who is not brain dead and who is not at risk for dying from an untreatable disease in the near future. To do otherwise makes us recall Nazi Germany where retarded people and those with serious disabilities were ‘euthanized’ (that is, killed).”

On the other hand, a leftist Catholic priest at Boston University, a bioethicist, scoffed at Republicans for taking up the Schiavo cause, saying that it was all political grandstanding to appease the Far Right. And that, of course, in his circles, is a moral offense in itself. Richard Cohen of the Washington Post sneered, “What remains is a legal case that no longer is about Schiavo. Instead, it’s about the politics of abortion—right to life—and political opportunism.” That the American people apparently accept this view by large numbers, tells one more about the state of the Culture War in this country than the recent presidential election.

The larger issue in the Schiavo case is indeed the right to life. As conservative columnist Cal Thomas observed, “Schiavo is a symbol in the battle over life-and-death issues that inconveniently, but necessarily, confront us.” Euthanasia is a key part of the debate that has dominated much thoughtful discussion since 1973 when the Supreme Court declared that the principles of Roe v. Wade were in the Constitution. A great many citizens believe that death is better than life when one is filled with pain, has lost key mental faculties, or is abnormal is a serious way. Some people advocate the destruction of those who are merely inconvenient or troublesome. The devil is in the details of each individual case and in the process by which people may be killed or legally commit suicide. Religious conservatives especially are wary of any policy that destroys the life of innocents. Abortion on demand, they contend, leads to euthanasia, both actions reflecting a secular premise about human happiness which is selfish, immoral, and cruel. Their opponents, of course, see the world through very different lens, basing their arguments on the quality of life, the freedom to choose, and moral relativism.

Gordon Hodge of Union Grove, Wisconsin was afflicted early in life with tuber Sclerosis, a tumor of the brain that causes air restrictions and tremors. Doctors told him that he would never run or ride a bike and that he would die young. He was considered “mentally retarded.” There are those who would have consigned Hodge to death. How could he possibly be a happy and productive citizen? Wouldn’t he, his family, and society as a whole be better off without his presence? Think of the pain that could be escaped, as well as all the financial burdens.

Earlier this year, Hodge, 44, competed in the special Olympics World Games in Nagano, Japan, winning three gold medals in snowshoeing. His parents and brother were in Japan to cheer him on. After the victory, Hodge said that a friend, a leader in the Athletic Leadership Program, had encouraged him to overcome his affliction. “He told me to never give up. To stay focused.” Hodge had trained long and hard for the Games.

After the grueling athletic events (a blizzard howled during the first race), Hodge was delighted to be congratulated by many Japanese, and to be invited to return. He also met three-time Gold Medal Olympic skater Scott Hamilton. Hamilton reminded Hodge of a message he had heard himself over the years. “He told me,” Hodge said later, “’Whatever you do in life, never give up.’ And I didn’t.”

By determination and courage, Gordon Hodge has brought happiness and pride to himself, his family, and his community. He would be the first to tell you that his quality of life is just fine, thank you.