Statement on Terri Schiavo
Most Reverend J. Kevin Boland

There are certain situations in which a patient may morally refuse medical treatment. A basic example would be a person who is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Such a person may be advised to undergo certain radical treatments which would not cure the illness and at the most would extend life by a short period of time. In such situations the patient may legitimately and morally refuse such treatments and indicate a preference for palliative care. This example does not fit the case of Terri Schiavo.

Medically we know that Mrs. Schiavo is not “brain dead” or comatose. She can breathe on her own. She is not on a respirator. Some say she is in a “persistent vegetative state.” This is a medical definition which is interpreted in different ways. In March 2004, Pope John Paul II urged us to be aware that those who are in this situation are fellow human beings. Such persons retain the fullness of human dignity despite their diminished abilities. In his statement, our Holy Father indicated “the administration of water and food, even when provided by artificial means, always represents a natural means of preserving life.”

Even the finest of medical experts find it difficult to define exactly Mrs. Schiavo’s physical status. In situations of this type, there should always be a presumption in favor of life. In Mrs. Schiavo’s case, her family is quite willing and capable of taking care of her and of providing the necessary basic sustenance of food and water. The only way to justify the denial of basic sustenance would be if they were doing more harm than good for the patient or because the patient’s death is imminent. Such is not the case with Mrs. Schiavo.

This situation brings us face to face with the great mystery of life and death, the mystery of who we are as human persons and how we take care of those who are radically disabled. In all of the differing situations that may come before us, there should always be a presumption in favor of life. Life is God’s gift. Life is the foundational right of all persons.

Let us pray for Terri Schiavo’s family and friends and for all those involved so that what is right and proper will be accomplished in the Lord’s name.