The Chronicle: Colloquy: Responses

May an old lady without advanced degrees or institutional connections have a word? It appears that some think that those who approve of death for grossly malformed newborns or terminal patients who request it take that position for selfish reasons, which is untrue. In simple words, "Do unto others as...." Had I been grossly deformed at birth, I hope I would not have been prolonged. If I reach a state of such suffering that I want to die, only cruel people or good but timid people living under cruel laws would insist my suffering be prolonged. Mr. Linares did what he did because he loved his child. If we love, we want what is best for the loved one, we do not insist on hanging on to a tortured or unfeeling body. I think our differences on this issue arise because we have different beliefs about what death is. Is the human body the person, or merely a temporary housing for a person who's life is spiritual and eternal?

Prof. Singer is to be admired for his courage and his true love for not only people, but for all the animals. I would love to live in a society operating under his principles.

: -- Frances Graves (posted 3/20, 1:15 p.m., E.S.T.)

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