Life at all costs

[Guest guest]

Salaam Mu Min,

I would like to comment on your valid post concerning social

responsibility towards our young and the aged.

I have no wish to spark ill feeling, the abortion debate rotates on yes

or no emotions,religious precepts and the fundamental right of a woman to

choose what will happen to her body.

I have an older female friend, Krystyna. A womens' rights activist

committed to change during the hectic 60's and 70's. I asked her how she

felt about the hard won "Womens" rights concessions, which are presently

being eroded. She replied in her usual fiesty manner that it is time women

uncovered the 'old knowing'...herbology etc.( I responded that it all sounds

a little subversive and may re-ignite the "burnings"!!. )

This whole abortion issue has been discussed at length for decades

(centuries!),and I think we are all faye with the arguments for/against.

Krystyna insists it is "Womens' Business" and should no longer be discussed

openly with males. So there you have it, the carousel turns...

(Personally, abortion as contraception, saddens me. But so do neglected,

abused and unwanted children!.)

Aged care however, is a crisis peculiar to our times.

The erosion of the extended family,and present low birth rate, has

isolated our aged. Aged care facilities will not be built to cope with the

'boomers'. Prophylactic medications such as 'Flu injections'(and until

recently, antibiotics),are employed routinely. Western medical and surgical

techniques to prolong life are pursued ferverently under the banner of God

and Money.

And yet, I wonder how many really understand what old age is.?

I have nursed ancient ones, actually decomposing, and yet their heart keeps

beating. Good Luck to them, I say!. They are lovingly cared for until they

reach their 'natural' end. But if they were given the Grace to look upon

themselves, would they choose the pain, discomfort and insensibility of

their vegetive state.?

As a personal choice, I have written a 'Live Will', detailing my wishes

in case of incapacitation. Basically my only legal rights at this stage

incorporate 'no medical intervention'. I have verbalized to my Doctor and

family I would prefer euthanasia...just beam me up Scotty!.

We are only just seeing the tip of the iceberg. We are the ones who will

be affected by,and are, this 'aged care crisis'. By the time the trolley of

pureed foods come to us, hopefully our choice to live or die will be honoured.

Warm Regards,

Ann.