By Dr. W. Gifford Jones
June 17, 2007
“I've never written before about a newspaper column, but I'm compelled to do so this time”. This was the general response following my recent column questioning the birth of conjoined twins. These replies speak for themselves.
“As a Christian it is wrong to end life. You do not know that these children are doomed. They may find peace, a bonding and friendship like no others. Your opinion on the rights of women and life in general frighten me.” Brandi Polatty.
“You will receive energetic objections from right-to-life groups. But in Canada where our health care system is funded by tax dollars we all have a stake in these decisions. These twins will be a constant drain on our health and social service system. Thank you for your courage in writing this column.” LG, Beausejour, Manitoba
“ As a practicing Catholic I believe that life is sacred, but not at all costs and agree with all the points you make. This situation is not life, it's a death sentence and unimaginable cruelty by a mother professing to love her children”. Elaine Kirbyson, Kingston, Ontario.
“Do I get it right, that an ethical committee should hold the twin's mother down and force her to have an abortion? If so, I'd suggest you've gone crackers.” K D
“Normally I'm opposed to all forms of abortion except rape and extreme situations. However, I heartily agree with you in this situation and the terrible challenges the twins face for years. I'm sure that even God would choose abortion in this case. I enjoy your writing”. Rev E Bruce Ross, Delta, Ont.
“I agree 100 percent with your comments and thank you for your frankness. We have become so narrow minded in North America that we cannot face the reality of these situations because of our sanctity of life tunnel vision”. C. Baker, Bloomfield, N.Y. U.S.A.
“I'm glad you are not my doctor. These twins will contribute more to society than you could ever imagine.” R K Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Winnipeg
“You are not God. How dare you suggest they would be better dead in so many words. Keep your hurtful comments to yourself and I pray these girls will prove you wrong. If I keep writing I will sink down to your level of ignorance. God does not make mistakes. You are a wicked physician”.
I have been glued to my computer for hours reading tons of such e-mail replies with several messages. Many readers vehemently disagreed with my views on this matter on religious grounds. Others were more generous and said “We enjoy your column but wish you would take God more seriously”.
But I wondered why all these e-mails condemning me came from Christians. I did not receive a single complaint from any of the many other religious groups in this country.
A large number of readers did agree with me. I did not mention the cost of treatment for the conjoined twins in the previous column although it did concern me. But many readers were furious that the millions needed to care for the twins was money ill spent when our health care system is in financial jeopardy. Others criticized the mother for allowing the pregnancy to continue when this preventable tragedy could have been avoided by medical science.
Several feared for the hate mail I'd receive. They worried my column might be discontinued and that they would miss it. Others thanked me for being brutally honest about this unnecessary cruelty and the cutting logic behind it. Or congratulated me for never sitting on the fence when dealing with controversial issues. Thankfully someone had the courage to confront the unimaginable horror of the conjoined twins issue, they wrote.
My thanks to readers for sending your opinions. In my defense I am not a “wicked physician”, having dedicated my life to relieving ill health. But I'm vehement about needless pain. We do not let animals suffer this way. Moreover, years ago an editor told me, “The job of a columnist is to make people think and express their opinions”. I still believe he was right.
I'd suggest my critics bind their heads tightly to that of another person for one week. Then reconsider this matter.
W. Gifford-Jones M.D is the pen name of Dr. Ken Walker graduate of Harvard. Dr. Walker's website is: Docgiff.com
My book, �90 + How I Got There� can be obtained by sending $19.95 to:
Giff Holdings, 525 Balliol St, Unit # 6,Toronto, Ontario, M4S 1E1
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