In Western culture, we see it as a "right" to life. But no matter what our culture or religion, a reverence for life is the basis for all moral principle. Truly, we are made in the image of God. To reject our place as His creature is to blaspheme. If the sanctity of life is breached in our mind and faith, the soul at once sickens.
Fr. Euteneuer of HLI is at this moment speaking on EWTN and is talking about Terri Schiavo and her last Mass.
Interesting coincidence...
The coincidence goes deeper As you were typing this, and as wife and I were discussing memories of our times with HLI, she was inspired to turn on the tv. Just at that moment, there was Fr. Euteneuer in sermon talking about the nature of euthanasia and then about Terri. On the wall behind him is an exact duplicate image of The Divine Mercy we keep, with the motto, “Jesus I trust in You”, (Thee).