To: TimF who wrote (7104 ) 3/2/2001 12:31:43 PM From: Solon Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 82486 My understanding from you, then, is that people have a right to die provided they do not physically harm others. Society has made it clear that fundamental rights should not apply unequally between persons. Fundamental rights should not be prejudiced by color, creed, gender, disabilities or any other factors. And this is the way it is now. However, under your belief system, this would lead us to a rather unfortunate conflict in society: All people, except pregnant women, would have the right to die. Pregnant women would NEVER have the right to die, regardless of who is standing near them. I understand how you reach this conclusion. I just find it unfortunate that men should have such a fundamental right that is denied to a woman. I am not unclear as to WHY you believe this is right ; I just find it unfortunate. And I do vehemently disagree with you on this matter. We used to (as an example) say that blacks or slaves or women had no rights. Now it would only be pregnant women . That might seem like an improvement, but as long as we keep saying, except for this group or that group , how can we know who will be next? I would just be very nervous about society deciding to go back through those doors--where "rights" were anchored in water instead of earth. Just makes me uncomfortable. Then, there is the question of enforcement, and punishment/penalties. Obviously, you can't punish a pregnant woman for succeeding in killing herself; But what if she fails? How much invasion is permitted or necessary to prevent her from her attempts to claim this right? These are fundamental questions about the nature of the society we all help to create.