A Disturbing Presence: Disability in the Age of Enhancement
Kathy McReynolds, PhD, Biola University
On November 24 2009, the Church Report highlighted the efforts of Alliance Defense Fund attorneys who filed an emergency motion to save the life of nine-month old Gabriel Palmer, who has disabilities. East Tennessee Children’s Hospital says it may abandon his medical care even though he is stable. “A disability should not be a death sentence. No one should be allowed to decide that an innocent life is not worth saving,” said Matt Bowman, ADF Legal Counsel.
Ben Mattlin, freelance writer who has physical disabilities, understands all too well this potential threat against those who are devalued in society. Last year, he was rushed to the hospital after becoming septic. He was unconscious and close to death. But before the doctors administered life-saving treatment, they turned to Ben’s wife and asked, “Are you sure you want us to do this?” It was clear to Ben’s wife that the only reason they hesitated was because of her husband’s disability. This paper will explore the ways in which people with disabilities destabilize our certainties regarding our place and our identity and then it examines ways we can respond that welcomes difference and disability, rather than view them as “disturbing.”
On November 24 2009, the Church Report highlighted the efforts of Alliance Defense Fund attorneys who filed an emergency motion to save the life of nine-month old Gabriel Palmer, who has disabilities. East Tennessee Children’s Hospital says it may abandon his medical care even though he is stable. “A disability should not be a death sentence. No one should be allowed to decide that an innocent life is not worth saving,” said Matt Bowman, ADF Legal Counsel.
Ben Mattlin, freelance writer who has physical disabilities, understands all too well this potential threat against those who are devalued in society. Last year, he was rushed to the hospital after becoming septic. He was unconscious and close to death. But before the doctors administered life-saving treatment, they turned to Ben’s wife and asked, “Are you sure you want us to do this?” It was clear to Ben’s wife that the only reason they hesitated was because of her husband’s disability. This paper will explore the ways in which people with disabilities destabilize our certainties regarding our place and our identity and then it examines ways we can respond that welcomes difference and disability, rather than view them as “disturbing.”