Removal of Feeding Tube (pray)

[BUDDY]

What You Need to Know about Terri Schiavo
March 7, 2005

by Carrie Gordon Earll

Terri Schiavo's fight for life has been widely publicized in the media but do you know the facts?

Terri Schindler Schiavo is a 41-year old disabled Florida woman at the center of an on-going legal despite between her estranged husband, Michael, and her parents.

In 1990 at 26-years of age, Terri collapsed in her home when her heart temporarily stopped, cutting off oxygen to her brain and leaving her severely brain damaged.

Terri is not dying or terminally ill; she is not brain-dead or in a coma. She is an otherwise healthy mentally disabled woman. The diagnosis that she is in a “vegetative state” is disputed by many medical experts, including neurologists. Some neurologists believe it’s possible that Terri is in a “minimally conscious state” (MCS)— a neurological diagnostic criteria first defined in 2002. 1 Researchers are beginning to test this criteria against that of “persistent vegetative state” (PVS) with other patients. 2

Terri breathes on her own without the aid of a ventilator. Her only dependency is on a feeding tube into her stomach for liquids and nourishment. 3 She swallows her own saliva, a fact that leads some experts in speech pathology to believe that with sufficient time and therapy, she could regain her ability to swallow fluids by mouth. 4 As recently as 1997, nursing staff who cared for Terri testified that she could swallow fluids and Jello-O, follow people with her eyes and even speak. 5

An attorney for Terri’s parents, Barbara Weller, has posted narratives on the Internet describing her recent visits with Terri. During these visits, Weller witnessed purposeful interaction between Terri, her parents and other visitors. 6

At the time of her collapse, Terri did not have a written advance medical directive. Since her disability, medical decisions have been made by her husband, Michael Schiavo.

Michael Schiavo won a medical malpractice case on Terri's behalf in 1992, pledging to use the money for Terri’s rehabilitation and care for the rest of her natural life. 7 The court awarded more than $1 million: $300,000 directly to Michael for his loss and additionally, more than $700,000 for Terri’s care. 8 Terri’s parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, claim that prior to the settlement a neurologist recommended progressive therapy for Terri and that Michael agreed to provide such therapy, only to deny it and confine Terri to a nursing home after receiving the jury award. 9

It was after the settlement that Michael first claimed that Terri had previously stated that she didn’t want to be kept alive by artificial means — a statement he never mentioned during the malpractice trial. 10

As guardian, Michael Schiavo controls the $700,000-plus trust fund awarded for Terri’s care. 11 As of fall of 2003, Michael Schiavo’s attorneys reported that the trust fund was down to $50,000, with more than $430,000 going to “pay for court costs associated with her husband’s legal battle to remove his wife’s feeding tube.” 12 Meanwhile, Medicaid helps to pay Terri’s $5,000-a-month nursing costs at a hospice in Pinellas Park, Florida. 13

Since 1995, Michael Schiavo has lived with a girlfriend, Jodi Centonze, with whom he has two children. 14 Michael remains legally married to Terri, as well as her guardian.

In 1998, Michael Schiavo petitioned the court to have Terri’s feeding tube removed.

Terri’s parents have offered to take care of Terri at their own expense, allowing Michael to keep all money remaining in the trust fund. To date, Michael Schiavo has refused, insisting that Terri die from dehydration.

Florida Sixth Judicial Circuit Judge George Greer has set Friday, March 18 at 1:00 p.m. EST as “date and time” certain to remove Terri’s feeding tube — an act that will cause the painful death of an otherwise healthy disabled person whose body processes and benefits from the nutrients and fluids she receives daily.



TIMELINE: 15

On February 25, 1990, 26-year old Terri Schindler Schiavo collapsed in her home when her heart temporarily stopped, cutting off oxygen to her brain and leaving her severely brain injured.

In November 1992, her husband, Michael, won a medical malpractice lawsuit after claiming that doctors failed to diagnose the chemical imbalance that caused the heart attack. The court awarded approximately $1 million in damages with $300,000 to Michael for his loss and another $700,000 to Michael for Terri’s guardianship and care.

In July 1993, Terri’s parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, petition the court to have Michael removed as Terri’s guardian — a request that is denied in August 2001.

In May 1998, Michael Schiavo petitions the court to have Terri’s feeding tube removed, claiming that Terri told him that she did not want life-sustaining intervention in the event of her incapacitation.

In February 2000, Florida Circuit Judge George W. Greer rules that the feeding tube can be removed.

After several court appeals, it is removed on April 24, 2001. Two days later, Florida Circuit Judge Frank Quesada orders doctors to reinsert Terri’s feeding tube.

In October, 2001, the Florida 2nd District Court of Appeals indefinitely delays the removal of Terri’s feeding tube pending the examination of Terri by five physicians: two selected by Michael, two by the Schindler’s and one by the court. The two doctors selected by Terri’s parents tell the court that she can recover; the remaining three stated that she is in a vegetative state with no hope of recovery. The following month, Judge Greer again orders the feeding tube to be removed again. More court appeals follow.

On October 15, 2003, Terri’s feeding tube is removed for a second time.

October 20-21, 2003: the Florida State Legislature passed legislation (dubbed “Terri’s Law”) allowing Governor Jeb Bush to intervene, ordering the reinsertion of Terri’s feeding tube — six days after it was removed.

May 6, 2004 — January 24, 2005: Various courts, including the Florida Supreme Court, strike down “Terri’s Law” as unconstitutional; the U.S. Supreme Court refuses to hear the case.

March 2005: Members of the U.S. Congress and the Florida State Legislature introduce legislation to intervene on behalf of Terri and other medically vulnerable patients.





1 Affidavit of Neurologist Beatrice C. Engstrand, M.D., March 3, 2005; Affidavit of Neurologist Jacob Green, M.D., February 22, 2005; Affidavit of Neurologist Lawrence Huntoon, M.D., March 3, 2005. Affidavits may be accessed on-line at www.terrisfight.org
2 J.T. Giacino, et al., “The minimally conscious state: Definition and diagnostic criteria,” Neurology, February 2002; 58: 349-353; Melanie Boly, et al., “Auditory Processing in Severely Brain Injured Patients,” Archives of Neurology, February 2004, 61:233-238.
3Abby Goodnough, “Governor of Florida orders woman fed in right-to-die case,” The New York Times, October 22, 2003.
4Affidavit of Speech Language Pathologist Sarah Green Mele, July 25, 2003; Affidavit of Carolyn Heron, M.D., March 3, 2005; Affidavit of Neurologist Beatrice C. Engstrand, M.D., March 3, 2005; Affidavit of Speech and Language Pathologist Jill Joyce, PhD, March 3, 2005. Some affidavits may be accessed on-line at www.terrisfight.org
5Affidavits of Certified Nursing Assistant Heidi Law, September 1, 2003; Registered Nurse Carla Sauer Iyer, September 1, 2003.
6Narrative by Barbara Weller on visit with Terri December 24, 2004, accessed on March 1, 2005 at www.terrisfight.org/press/BJWnarrative.html; Narrative by Barbara Weller on visit with Terri February 24, 2005, accessed on February 25, 2005 at www.alliancealert.org/2005/20050225.htm
7Vickie Chachere, “Michael Schiavo says money, activists motivate in-laws,” Associated Press, October 28, 2003.
8Patrick Kampert, “Parents or husband: Who decides?; Courts to choose victor in battle over woman’s life,” Chicago Tribune, October 12, 2003.
9Interview with Robert and Mary Schindler, Larry King Live, September 27, 2004.
10Kampert, Associated Press.
11Hugo Kugiya, “Decision for Death; Florida woman’s feeding tube pulled after court okays action, Newsday, October 16, 2003.
12William R. Levesque, “Schiavo’s husband says he’ll fight back,” St. Petersburg Times, October 24, 2003; Chris Gray, “Both sides in Schiavo fight point to control of money,” Philadelphia Inquirer, October 29, 2003.
13Mary McFachlin, “Schiavo case a growing legal, moral morass,” Palm Beach Post, October 26, 2003; Levesque, St. Petersburg Times.
14Rich McKay and Maya Bell, “How to deal with Terri Schiavo’s tragedy splits family,” Orlando Sentinel, October 26, 2003; Warren Richey, “Can state intervene in medical decisions?” Christian Science Monitor, August 3, 2004.
15With assistance from “Key Dates in the life of Terri Schiavo,” Associated Press, January 24, 2005.

From: http://www.family.org

[linwood]

Oh my God.

You have to read the link LL posted Eewred.
Focus on the family has soooo many alterior motives for writing that tripe I can`t even count them all.

Read what the Governors appointed guardian had to say about the Schiavo case.
Read what someone whose job it was to study every aspect of the case with no bias has to say.

Read it please....

[BUDDY]

Originally Posted by linwood

If that is the case eewred then why do we not have a problem removing the feeding tubes of hundreds of other people with no DNR orders around this nation?
Why just this woman?

Why has everyone from congress to the president to the supremem court had a hand in deciding this womans fate when many many others don`t every day?

Why is this woman the focus of numerous unconstitutional laws to keep her alive?
Why do we not bend/break our constitution for everyone else?

Well, do we? And, are all of the cases the same as this one? Living wills exist now (have been a big issue in recent years) that have probably aswered many of those questions. Others may have had them in conjunction with other life sustaining machinery. I can't possibly answer that question, and neither can anyone else. I just know, for me personally, in looking at all of the evidence in this fiasco, it doesn't seem right to let this happen.

Well, every once in a while a case comes along that shakes society to its core and makes everyone question things like values, morality and social wellfare. I think that is what we have here. Terri Schiavo is a hero to allof us, regardless of which side of this issue you are on, because she is bringing to light a moral foundation and principle that is important to all of us. Life and Death. When do we let go and when do we fight on. I would be more surprised if these people you mention were not involved in the case. That is what would scare and worry me. They are taking interest because they care in the same things we care about. And like all of us, they have very different and very passionate opinions about it.

The Constitution has not been broken Linwood. There is a thing called balance of powers. The courts cannot make law, they can only interpret it. Sadly, you guys are going to get your way (or Terri's way as you claim) and the system will end up working for you. Whether something is or isn't unconstitutional to you, depends on whether or not the outcome is what you wanted. Ever notice that?

[linwood]

The Constitution has not been broken Linwood. There is a thing called balance of powers. The courts cannot make law, they can only interpret it. Sadly, you guys are going to get your way (or Terri's way as you claim) and the system will end up working for you. Whether something is or isn't unconstitutional to you, depends on whether or not the outcome is what you wanted. Ever notice that?

Eewred,

I don`t want an argument with you and I`m sorry if I`ve been testy on this subject.

I have to say though in response to this..no..I don`t see that.
My states constitution was subverted when Jeb Bush pushed through "Terrys Law" because it was a law that affected the rights of only one person.
Laws are meant for all not one.
It is unconstitutional.

This last law was also pushed through for just one person, it is worded in a way to avoid being labelled unconstitutional since it doesn`t suggest anything other than taking a new look at the case but at best it is serious bending of the US constituition.
It is unprecedented as far as I can tell and trust me when I tell you that there are people who will challenge it`s existence shortly.

This system will always work for me because I agree with the document in its entirety.
The only way this system will fail me is if the powers that gbe are allowed to subvert the document which they have been trying to do in so many numerous ways the past few years.

So far the only branch of government that has protected my rights is the judiciary and knowing the make up of the supreme court and many federal and state courts this fact astonishes me.
I am ever thankful these judges for the most part are able to seperate their ideologies from the law and interpret in a manner that follows the constitution.

If I believed in god I would be thanking him daily for the judiciary .
They are the only branch that actually uses any check or balances.
the congress and president are biased by their ideologies but can do no real damaged until they are able to subvert the judiciary.
I`m hoping they can`t.

[angellous_evangellous]

I think that the irresponsible actions of legislators in this case are just cause for impeachment. No legislator who supported Terri's law or calling her forward as a witness to Congress has the understanding of American law and tradition needed for their position. It is an abuse of their role as our representatives and they deserve to be removed from office for an attempt to trample on our rights as American citizens.

I for one am sickened and outraged that the government is trying to make a medical choice for one of its citizens who is speaking plainly and clearly through her next of kin, and that legislators are trigger-happy with their power to restrict an extremely basic human right. Thank God for judges that have higher thinking skills and can reason out this issue clearly and stand up for the constitution.

[linwood]

What kind of moron attempts to rob a gun shop with a box cutter?
The inate human trait of stupidity never ceases to amaze me.

A man was arrested after trying to steal a weapon from a gun shop so he could "take some action and rescue Terri Schiavo," authorities said.

http://www.religiousforums.com/forum...382#post127382

[Jaymes]

What's worse is how some of the people on FOX are calling this guy a hero.

Comitting armed robbery to save a dead woman... yea, real heroic.

[linwood]

What's worse is how some of the people on FOX are calling this guy a hero.

Comitting armed robbery to save a dead woman... yea, real heroic.


Are they really?
What did they think he intended to do with the gun?
Kill people in the name of life?

*** is wrong with these people?