Wesley J. Smith

Apparently Michael Schiavo is in hiding because of death threats. Anyone who threatens violence dishonors the memory of Terri Schiavo and the noble struggle in which so many participated. Indeed, the Schindlers said explicitly to put away hate.The Pope forgave his attempted assassin. Terri’s . . . . Continue Reading »

As promised, here is an article in the current edition of the Weekly Standard magazine containing some of my initial thoughts on legal reforms that could help protect the lives of devalued people like Terri Schiavo. The article speaks for itself, but allow me to share just a few additional thoughts: . . . . Continue Reading »

Ah, the Dutch. In their cold and sterile hands, there never would have been a public fight over Terri’s life. The decision to stop the feeding tube wouldn’t have been based on Terri’s past-stated desires. It wouldn’t have been based on what Michael Schiavo wanted. Nor, would . . . . Continue Reading »

Forgive me for posting a favorable review of my most recent book, Consumer’s Guide to a Brave New World. I do so not because it is a good review—although in truth, it is highly unlikely that I would post a bad review in this space. No, I am posting this review from the Claremont . . . . Continue Reading »

I was traveling when Terri Schiavo died, the victim of a bitter injustice. It was a very sad day for her family and a black mark on the history of American jurisprudence. We can create a lasting legacy for Terri by acting legislatively to provide greater protections for people, who like Terri, are . . . . Continue Reading »

The Terri Schiavo debacle did not arise in a vacuum. For years, the bioethics movement has strived to deprive some people of their moral worth, based on not yet developed or impaired cognitive capacities. The danger of such thinking is becoming crystal clear, as I demonstrate in this article in . . . . Continue Reading »

“This [Terri’s dehydration] is what happens when law is not tempered with . . . . Continue Reading »

John Leo sees how important the Schiavo case is to the future of moral medical practice and our belief as a society in the sanctity and equality of human . . . . Continue Reading »

The Terri Schiavo case has been one of the most media saturated stories in recent times. And yet, many people, apparently, still don’t know the basic facts—even news reporters. This was brought home to me strongly today in three different manifestations. First, I was a guest on Fox and . . . . Continue Reading »

Jesse Jackson has publicly urged that Terri Schiavo be allowed to live. Ralph Nader, Jesse Jackson, unanimous consent of the United States Senate, half the Democratic Caucus in the House of Representatives. Clearly: This isn’t a right versus left controversy, this is a matter of casting aside . . . . Continue Reading »