www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Terri's Law (Help Save Terri Schiavo)

(I sent this out as an email to my friends. I'm also posting it here. There are two bills in the U.S. Congress that could save Terri Schiavo and others like her. For readers who are not U.S. citizens, please keep Terri Schiavo and others like her in your prayers. For U.S. citizens, please consider writing your member of Congress to support these bills. Also, feel free to cut and paste and forward this to your friends and contacts. --John)


Hi Everybody !

As you know, Terri Schiavo is scheduled to be removed from food and water tomorrow (Friday, 18 March 2005) at 1 p.m. Eastern Time. It will take her several painful days to die.

As you recall, Terri Schiavo is a woman in Florida who suffered severe brain injuries several years ago. She is incapacitated, but she is not in a coma, and her heart and lungs work on their own. She responds to people with facial expressions and by making sounds; and she might still be aware. However, she did not have an advance directive (a "living will") to say what she wanted in case she became incapacitated. So, no one objectively knows what Terri wants. Her parents want to take care of her. Her estranged husband wants to kill her by starvation. The husband claims that she wanted to die if she was ever injured like this. However, there is no proof of that; there is only the husband's word. Meanwhile, the husband has a girlfriend and two kids with the girlfriend. He also stands to benefit financially if she dies: from the proceeds of his wife's life insurance policy and from the remains of a trust from a medical malpractice suit which was supposed to pay for her on-going care. In a rational world, the court would have appointed an independent guardian to objectively look out for Terri's best interests. Instead, because of how Florida's law is worded, her husband has that role. Yet, given the above facts, the husband does not appear objectively disposed to look out for his wife's best interests; he wants to kill her.

This is not about the "right to die." If people have an advance directive (a "living will"), they can say how they want to be cared for --or allowed to die-- if they become severely injured.

Instead, this is about preventing murder. An advance directive (a "living will") is the only clear proof of what a person wants if that person becomes incapacitated. Terri Schiavo did not have a living will. Thus, no one objectively knows what *she* wanted in case she became incapacitated. Therefore, if she is killed, it will be open season in America on anyone else who is incapacitated and who does not have a living will. And, as this case shows, that includes wives (and husbands, children and parents) who are inconvenient and who are worth more money dead than alive.

To try to save her, and others like her, you can write to your member of Congress and ask for passage of bills that would protect people like her. Specifically, these bills (one in the Senate and one in the House) would guarantee the right to independent legal guardians for incapacitated people who do not have living wills. For more information on these bills, see [url=http://www.lifenews.com/bio788.html]http://www.lifenews.com/bio788.html [lifenews.com] [/url] .

To voice your opinion to Congress, visit the C-Span website ( http://www3.capwiz.com/c-span/dbq/officials/ ) and use the online form to send an email to your congressional representative and senators.

The following are directions to do so. The directions seem more complicated than they really are; the website is intuitively designed.

For your federal representative, go to the main page ( http://www3.capwiz.com/c-span/dbq/officials/ ) There is a map of the U.S. Click on your state. A little map of your state will appear. Click on your congressional district (i.e., where you live) on the map of your state. A picture of your representative will appear. Click on that. A screen will appear with information about your representative. Click on the link (toward the top of the screen) that reads "Email: Contact via web form." Then, fill out the form (including your message), and press send. There might be an additional menu, asking for a general topic. Pick the one that is closest to human rights, and click send. Then, look to the top of the page and click the link that reads "Elected Officials". That will take you back to the page with the map of the U.S.

For your federal senators, go to the main page ( http://www3.capwiz.com/c-span/dbq/officials/ ) There is a map of the U.S. Click on your state. A little map of your state will appear. To the right of that, there will be a square box. Near the top of that, there is a link for "Senators." Click that. Then, pick your senator, fill out the form, and send it. When you're done, click the link for "Elected Officials" and repeat the process for your other senator.

If you get lost, go back to the main page ( http://www3.capwiz.com/c-span/dbq/officials/ ) and follow the links.

Following this is the text of the message that I sent to my members of Congress. Feel free to copy and paste it for your message if you wish.

In closing, please keep Terri and people like her in your prayers. Please also forward this to anyone you think would be interested. Thank you. Be well.

--John


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SAMPLE TEXT

I ask you to support the bills in Congress that would save the life of Terri Schiavo and all others like her. This woman did not leave an advance directive, yet she will be killed by starvation. If Terri Schiavo is killed, all sorts of people who don't have advance directives and who are "inconvenient" will be killed. Please fight to stop this. Thank you for your time.

The Reverend Robert Johansen has written a very comprehensive piece on Terri Schiavo entitled " Starving for a Fair Diagnosis" [nationalreview.com] - Terri Schiavo is not out of medical options. But that�s the 'fact' her husband wants you to believe."

Excerpt: In the course of my conversation with Dr. Morin, he made reference to the standard use of MRI and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans to diagnose the extent of brain injuries. He seemed to assume that these had been done for Terri. I stopped him and told him that these tests have never been done for her; that Michael had refused them.

There was a moment of dead silence.

�That�s criminal,� he said, and then asked, in a tone of utter incredulity: �How can he continue as guardian? People are deliberating over this woman�s life and death and there�s been no MRI or PET?� He drew a reasonable conclusion: �These people [Michael Schiavo, George Felos, and Judge Greer] don�t want the information.�

Well, having recently witnessed a similar situation in my family (from a distance - I try to stay out of fist-swinging range in these Irish Catholic brawls! ), I am going to play devil's-advocate here on behalf of Michael Schiavo.

I have seen an awful lot of accusations made against this guy - the most serious being that he is the one who caused Terri's brain damage in the first place. Well, if that's the case, why haven't any criminal charges been brought against him by Terri's parents? (Even if the only evidence they have is circumstantial, they could still file, and win, a civil lawsuit, where the standard of proof is much lower -- cf. O.J. Simpson.)

I really don't believe anymore that this is a black-and-white issue. Yes, I think it would be best if Terri's parents were allowed to take over her care for the rest of her life BUT - I also think that whether we like it or not, it IS her husband's decision to make. And like it or not, he is her husband and we have to be consistent - do we believe in the sanctity of marriage, that "the two are become one flesh"? or not?

If we do, then we have to acknowledge that Michael Schiavo has both the legal AND moral right to make the final decision about his wife's care. That doesn't mean we have to agree with it, but come on -- do we really want to let the government take over and make these decisions for us? Shouldn't the family - the husband or wife - have the final word, not the government?

Just something I've been thinking about ...

A lot of people have asked similar questions.

To that list I will add a few more:

-Why has the husband refused all of the standard tests that are done to determine the level of mental retardation? [33 doctors and other medical professionals familiar with the case have signed affidavits requesting a real evaluation of her case.]

-Why has the husband refused all routine medical care over the years? Including such care as turning Terri Schiavo so that she does not develop bedsores, etc.

-Why has the husband refused all attempts to teach Terri Schiavo to feed herself? [Numerous doctors have indicated that Terri Schiavo has the mental capacity to learn to feed herself. Despite the media�s description of her as being in a �persistent vegetative state� Terri Schiavo�s alertness testifies that she is not in a PVS.]

-Does (or should) the fact that Michael Schiavo lives in an adulterous relationship and has two children with his mistress take away any of his spousal rights?

-How should we consider that the chief doctor testifying for her to be executed is a �right to die� fanatic?

-If it is assumed that Michael Schiavo has the legal and moral right to make the final decisions about Terri Schiavo, does such a right extend to execution by starvation and dehydration? In what way should we look at the recent teaching by Pope John Paul II that it is morally wrong to cause death in such a way?

This is one of the occasions where I believe that the government has the responsibility to step in, both to ensure that proper medical care has been provided, the proper tests have been done to understand the situation, and to do everything possible to ensure Terri Schiavo�s right to life.

And, for the record, I also believe that the government should step in to protect innocent life in the womb. The phrase �do we really want the government making these decisions for us?� is most often used to justify the �right� of a woman to execute the child in her womb. As Christians, we need to be very careful of the anti-life rhetoric.

[Applause Applause Applause]

Well said !

We must all pray for Terri. Should Judge Greer succeed in having her starved to death, we may find ourselves in such a position someday - an uncaring, obtuse judge who may deem one of us "unfit to live".

This is not the case of turning off a ventilator on a comatose patient. Terri can see, hear and react. Terri needs treatment and therapy. Terri has family that love her and will care for her. This is not right.

Quoting Right to Life - "We enter this world weak, and we will leave it weak." People have value and worth and it must be defended.

The judiciary in the United States is composed of far too many nitwits.

Okay, well, please let me clarify where I'm coming from here. I'm definitely NOT anti-life and I *DO* think Terri should be allowed to live.

However, I continue to think it is a major tactical error to continue to throw out these accusations that Terri's injuries were caused by domestic violence, yet not make any formal charges. And I'm asking this because I honestly don't know, but -- has ANYONE making these accusations actually opened a criminal case against Michael Schiavo? If not, why not?

Dear Theist Gal,

On 4 March 2005, the Florida Department of Children and Families did make accusations of abuse against Terri's husband, Michael Schiavo, to the Florida court.
See http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=43164

See also http://www.miami.com/mld/inquirer/n.../counties/montgomery_county/11056102.htm


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However, the Florida court, under Judge Greer, denied the DCF's request for an investigation on 10 March 2005.

See (toward the bottom of the page) http://www.news4jax.com/health/4295118/detail.html


* * *


Then, DCF appealed Judge Greer's decision on Monday of this week (14 March 2005). On Wednesday of this week, 16 March 2005, the Florida appeals court agreed to hear the appeal. Specifically, the appeals court required to have the legal arguments in writing (the briefs) by 28 March 2005. However --and here is a madness on top of a host of madnesses in this whole case-- the appeals court refused to stop the starvation of Terri Schiavo in the meantime. So, Terri might be dead from the abuse by the time the appeals court hears the case of abuse.

See http://www.theempirejournal.com/0316053_DCF_Request_for_Stay_in_Schiavo_Case_Denied.htm


* * *


This is just a sample of how the legal process in Florida (and probably many other places) has failed to keep pace with the abuse of innocents. For another nightmarish example, there is the case of Rilya Wilson. She was a toddler in foster care. Then, in 2000, the four-year-old child went missing. The Florida DCF (Department of Children and Families), which was supposed to be monitoring her care, didn't notice that the child was missing for another 16 months. Yesterday, the female lover of the foster mother was indicted by a grand jury for child's disappearance and murder. See
http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/nation/11154291.htm


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Now as I type this, it is 8:37 p.m. on Thursday evening (17 March 2005), and the madness continues.

--The Florida House of Representatives passed a bill that would have saved Terri Schiavo's life, but the Florida Senate did not pass the bill. The previous attempt by the Florida legislature to save Terri by legislation was struck down as unconstitutional (for "overreaching"). Hence, there is now no law in Florida that will save Terri.

--The U.S. House of Representatives passed, last night, a bill that would also save Terri Schiavo and all others like her. Today, the U.S. Senate passed a bill that is limited to only Terri Schiavo. Because the bills are different, the President cannot sign it into law. Normally, a compromise bill would be worked out. However, the U.S. Congress will go on Easter (!) recess at the end of business tomorrow (Friday, 18 March 2005), which is the same day that Terri is scheduled to be starved. Theoretically, it is possible that a compromise bill could be worked out tomorrow before Congress adjourns. However, right now, it seems unlikely. Therefore, it seems unlikely that there will be a federal law to save Terri.

--The U.S. Supreme Court denied an appeal to stop Terri's starvation till a hearing on Terri's religious rights being violated could be held.

--Florida Judge Greer (who has presided over most of this case) denied a request to stop the starvation till the abuse appeal could be heard.

For more information, see http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/breaking_news/11163864.htm http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/breaking_news/11163864.htm

or just do a search (by date) for "Schiavo" at http://news.yahoo.com


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In short, the legal system as a whole has said, "Terri is not our problem." And that is the problem in a nutshell: an innocent human being is treated as a problem, to be avoided even by starving her to death.

But, I suppose there is still hope. It takes about 7 days for someone to die by starvation. So, maybe if the lawmakers reflect on the meaning of Holy Week and Easter, they might yet save Terri. God willing.

--John

Thank you for clarifying that issue for me, John. I didn't know that charges had been filed and dismissed.

And I agree, I hope that Congress is successful in their efforts to keep Terri alive. Did anyone hear the interview with Rick Santorum on Laura Ingraham's radio show this morning?

This should be of interest:
--------------------------------------------------
Updates" <support@rfcnet.org>
Organization:
Religious Freedom Coalition
To:
"RFC" <support@rfcnet.org>

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - WEEK ENDING MARCH 18, 2005

In Mr. Murray's absence Peggy Birchfield wrote this week's update from Capitol Hill

HOUSE AND SENATE IN SESSION

CONGRESS

A FIGHT FOR TERRI'S LAW

"... After numerous speeches on the House floor late Wednesday night, members unanimously passed the Protection of Incapacitated Persons Act of 2005 (HR 1332), known as "Terri's Law" by voice vote. House Judiciary Chairman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) and Congressman Dave Weldon, M.D(R-FL), introduced HR 1332, which authorizes the removal of such cases from the state court to U.S. Federal court to protect the federal rights of incapacitated persons. These proceedings would be authorized after all the state's remedies have been exhausted, such as in Terri's case.

Naturally, with such a short suspense on the matter, problems arose in the Senate. The Senate Democrat Minority Leader, Harry Reid,
(NV) and Senator Ron Wyden, (D-OR) refused to allow a vote on the bill passed by the House (HR 1332). Senator Frist stayed strong
in the fight, even after rejection by the Democrats when he offered a unanimous consent on the private relief bill introduced by Senator
Tom Martinez (R-FL). It too was rejected by Senate democrats. The pressure mounted as Democrats fought hard with objections. RFC
has been participating in conference calls with Senator Santorum to help move this legislation through. President Bush has even offered a
statement saying he would sign both bills if passed.

Developments have been occurring by the hour and a final bill was passed. Unfortunately, that meant that the House needed a voice vote again on the Senate version, but many of the members had already left for the Easter recess."

--------------------------------------------------

One thing has me very concerned. Who is paying the hospital? Did she have life insurance, and is her husband waiting to receive it.

Frankly, since he is living with someone, I think he should be given a divorce. Of course, if she had life insurance, does he want a divorce? Then again, would he be liable for all the hospital costs, and would he be able to pay them if he does not get the life insurance. These are things we do not know.

I remember a case like that with my mother. Her heart stopped, and she went into a coma for three weeks. Everyday I would pray the Akathist at her bedside. The day before she died, I prayed for her, asking that since she was not in a position to pray, I will take her place, and ask our Lady to do whatever our Lord felt was best. The next day she died. It was the day of the Akathist Hymn.

Zenovia

I keep wonderind what kind of people are working in that hospice and the quality of police officers. Being willing to sit by and watch a conscious woman die of thirst does not seem to be qualities of spiritual giants. When the poor womn is dead everyone involved should be indicted on criminal charges. What you want to bet the defense will be "I was just following orders."??

The bill passed the House! (via National Review's Corner)

Praise God ! The House passed the Senate's version of Terri's Law early this morning (about 12:30 a.m., Monday, 21 March 2005); and then President Bush signed the bill into Law (about 1:30 a.m. this morning).

But, it's not over yet. Now a federal judge has to decide the matter. First, the judge must decide whether to order replacing Terri's feeding tube. Then, the judge must decide whether to have a hearing on her case overall. Keep praying !

and, second, to judge

Disregard that last line in my previous post ("second and to judge"). That was a scrap of text I forgot to catch before posting.