Humans are much different from pets

In response to the Feb. 6 guest column, “If pets can, why not humans?” the response is simple: Humans are different from all other animals.

While pets are an important part of many people's lives and they often form a strong bond between themselves and their owners, humans are in a different category. Humans have been endowed with a rational ability that allows them to think and make choices. Human life has value beyond just a utilitarian purpose. When a pet outlives its usefulness (either through sickness or old age or inconvenience), we get rid of it (by giving it away, selling it or euthanizing it).

We take care of human beings who are ill or dying. We don't just “chuck” an “inconvenient” human - a colicky baby, a mentally challenged child, a son who has a run-in with the law, a daughter who struggles in school.

It is an unreasonable expectation that all of life should be easy and convenient. We can't have everything that we want, including eternal youth, perfect health and immortality on this earth. Human suffering can teach us all valuable lessons.

Instead of looking to prematurely end human life, let us work together to provide a better life to all human beings, from conception to natural death.

Rev. Philip E. Thompson

Pastor,

St. Pius X Catholic Church

Cedar Rapids