Jessica Dellen, in her written infomercial for euthanasia ("Living at all costs is a flaw of our Western society," March 3), completely ignores one of the most powerful emotions: hope.

Hope and love are why mothers carry their babies to term rather than 'terminate' them.

Even if those in a coma were beyond reach -- which Sara Scantlin disproved after 20 years -- who decides which lives are doomed?

Should cancer patients be euthanized? How about paraplegics? The utterly naïve and irresponsible idea is that when a person is removed from life support, they slowly and peacefully drift away.

In Terry Schiavo's case, the reality is that she will die slowly from starvation. Michael Schiavo cares nothing for Terry's "resting in peace." As the only witness, he failed to perform CPR despite being qualified.

His hollow claims of standing by his marital vows vanished once he received malpractice lawsuit awards, and he has since reneged on all his promises to care for his wife.

In fact, Michael Schiavo was abusive, and has since fathered two children with another woman. Over the past 13 years, Terry has been able to recognize people and songs, and she has regained the ability to vocalize and communicate. She does not make random sounds or movements. She may actually be able to eat on her own, though Michael has resisted such progress. She is not in a 'persistent vegetative state'; she is cognizant and aware. Her husband advocates such a view since he's likely trying to finish the job he started 15 years ago - wanting his wife dead.