Quinlan, Tomaszewski Cases Different

The case of Bonnie Tomaszewski (“Intravenous Feedings Can Be Cut Off, Judge Rules,” May 19) is not the same as the case of Karen Ann Quinlan. Karen Ann Quinlan’s parents wanted artificial life support cut off, but they were not so barbarous as to ask for permission to starve their daughter.

Removing mechanical breathing tubes is a medical decision of an entirely different order than refusing to provide food and water. I hope Bonnie Tomaszewski’s parents, who want to save their daughter from what they accurately describe as “a long, ugly, painful way to die,” prevail over her husband.

MARY HUNTER, Fountain Valley