Support First Things by turning your adblocker off or by making a  donation. Thanks!

Regarding the Ron Houben case mentioned earlier by Joe Carter : There are crucial lessons to learn.

We hear constantly from the utilitarian bioethics crowd that people diagnosed as being persistently unconscious should be dehydrated to death because they are not “persons,” or even, they are actually “dead”–-and so should be available for organ harvesting.  We hear that even if the family resists , futile care theory should permit bioethics committees to impose unilateral withdrawal of treatment.  And we hear this even as repeated studies demonstrate that 40 or more percent of patients diagnosed as PVS really aren’t.  Talk about not wanting to heed the facts.

Now, a man who was awake and aware for 23 years, but unable to communicate (locked in state), is telling his tale . This case serves as the latest in a series of warnings against treating the unconscious as if they weren’t fully human—a crucial principle recognized by the American Conference of Catholic Bishops in its new guidelines regarding the care of the apparently unconscious.

More analysis over at Secondhand Smoke .

Dear Reader,

While I have you, can I ask you something? I’ll be quick.

Twenty-five thousand people subscribe to First Things. Why can’t that be fifty thousand? Three million people read First Things online like you are right now. Why can’t that be four million?

Let’s stop saying “can’t.” Because it can. And your year-end gift of just $50, $100, or even $250 or more will make it possible.

How much would you give to introduce just one new person to First Things? What about ten people, or even a hundred? That’s the power of your charitable support.

Make your year-end gift now using this secure link or the button below.
GIVE NOW

Comments are visible to subscribers only. Log in or subscribe to join the conversation.

Tags

Loading...

Filter First Thoughts Posts

Related Articles