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The story of Terry Schiavo and its outcome has given rise to a hot debate all over the world. Various issues, like the rights of people who are suffering, the autonomy of the sick person and euthanasia, have all been discussed over and over again in the past months in which Terry’s last days were witnessed. The Maltese Federation of Organisations Persons with Disability would like to make its position known on the matter. The Federation is against the decision taken to stop Terry’s nourishments and let her die.
The Federation feels strongly about this case as one should take into consideration the many people who have a mental disability and like Terry, depend on the constant assistance of other people. They would physically be unable to take care of themselves and intellectually they would lack the capacity to make their own decisions.
A law for equal opportunities for persons with disabilities is being introduced in many countries around the world. This gives the person with a disability the right to life, just like any other human being, independently of ability. If the Schiavo decisions were to be widely applied, the right to life to people with disabilities will be seriously jeopardised. If euthanasia were to be allowed to those who cannot make a formal decision and do not follow an average lifestyle, people with disabilities would be once again having to fight for a basic human right – the right to life.
Mario Dimech
PRO
Maltese Federation of
Organisations
Persons with Disability
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