Recently, there was an article published about a mother in the United Kingdom who had petitioned the courts to end the life of her severely disabled daughter. Nancy Fitz-Maurice had been born blind and had hydrocephalus among other conditions. She had reached the age of 12 and had apparently taken a turn for the worst in her medical conditions. The judge of the court granted the mother’s request and Nancy’s food supply was removed.
I do not doubt that Nancy’s mother loved her and wanted what she believed was best for her. However, pain and suffering can become a very emotionally charged subject especially if you are personally connected to someone suffering from a grave condition. No loving, compassionate person wants to see people suffer, but I believe suffering is necessary throughout our earthly lives to help us grow, and it has spiritual effects that we’re simply not aware of.
We must try to remember to put ourselves in the shoes of others. For example, I have a disability and people have expressed their sentiments on how much I must suffer. They state how horrible my life must be, when in reality, it is nothing like what they imagine. It is crucial to be mindful when considering the quality of life of others, and realize it is not our own. We must remember that each life is precious to God and it is not our domain to take it away. Each soul he has fashioned has a purpose to fulfill which is extremely important to the world.
About The Contributor
