I believe that the public support of Robert Latimer is not based on an accurate understanding of events surrounding Tracy’s death, but comes out of our society’s unfounded and catastrophized dread of disability.

Tracy had cerebral palsy and a mental disability.; Although this meant her activities were severely limited, it did not mean she lived a life of unremitting suffering and emptiness. The communication book sent between the Latimer home and the; Development Centre shows that Tracy was often cheerful and happy and that she enjoyed a variety of experiences.

There was no question that Tracy experienced pain.; However, no one can say with certainty whether the degree of pain was truly excruciating or whether this was exaggerated by Robert Latimer and sensationalized by the media.; What we do know is that this pain could have been significantly reduced if; Tracy had received a feeding tube which would have enabled her to ingest adequate pain medication and nutrition.; It was the Latimers; who refused this operation due to Robert’s self-confessed phobic aversion to needles and other forms of medical treatment.; As a result, Tracy was subjected to more pain than was necessary.

No, the public’s support of; Robert Latimer is founded upon the perception that life with a disability is a fate worse than death. I have cerebral palsy.; This means that it usually takes me more time and energy to accomplish most things; it does not mean I live a life of unmitigated suffering.; Not only is this perception inaccurate, It also jeopardizes the lives of disabled Canadians.

Prior to Robert Latimer’s court case, I had always assumed that if I were seriously injured (in a car accident, for example) or had an urgent medical emergency, that doctors and other health professionals would devote the same amount of energy and commitment to save my life as they would for a non-disabled person.; With the public’s reaction to Tracy’s death came the realization that this was not necessarily the case.

What frightens me is the very real possibility that I could be taken to a hospital with a serious injury or condition which left me unconscious and the attending doctor could very well be someone who saw life with a disability as a tragic hardship.; As a result, he or she might be a bit more ambivalent about whether all attempts should be made to save my life.

Some might see this as a melodramatic over-reaction, claiming that my disability is not as severe as Tracy’s and it’s comparing apples and oranges.; But the difference in severity of our disabilities is only apparent if I can talk (or communicate in some way) or if I can move.; In a state of unconsciousness, Tracy and I are indistinguishable.

How do I explain the terror of feeling vulnerable at this level?; Let me only say that I have destroyed my organ donation card and have seriously considered getting Medical Alert Bracelet that reads: "I have a wonderful life with a family and many friends who love me.; Please make every attempt to save my life."

It is this terror which is at the core of my support of the court’s decision to sentence Robert Latimer to 10 years in jail.; It’s not because I think he should; "pay" for what he did;; I don’t think imprisoning Robert Latimer will cause him to reconsider the morality of his actions.; And I don’t think he represents a danger to society.

I support the court’s decision because if Robert Latimer had; received a reduced sentence,; it would have been a clear message to families and health professionals that they could feel justified and legally safe in prematurely ending the life of a disabled person.

The thought of living in such a society, quite frankly, scares the hell out of me

Norman Kunc
Nanaimo, British Columbi