Posted on 06/14/2005 8:26:32 PM PDT by CHARLITE
The Pinellas County medical examiner's office in Florida plans to release its autopsy report tomorrow on Terri Schiavo – findings her family hopes will shed light on the cause of the collapse that left her severely brain-damaged 15 years ago.
Schiavo, 41, died March 31, nearly two weeks after the feeding tube that had kept her alive was removed under a court order obtained by her husband, Michael Schiavo.
Her death ended a bitter legal battle between Michael Schiavo, who said his wife did not want to be kept alive artificially, and her parents, Bob and Mary Schindler. Both Michael Schiavo and the Schindlers found doctors to support their views.
Terri Schiavo's brother, Bobby Schindler, said today his family is eager to see if the report indicates what went wrong when her heart stopped beating for several minutes in 1990.
Testimony in a 1992 civil trial indicated that her heart stopped probably because of a severe chemical imbalance brought on by an eating disorder. The Schindlers, though, do not believe she had an eating disorder and have accused Michael Schiavo of abusing his wife, a charge he vehemently denies.
The Schiavo case was the subject of an act of Congress and several Supreme Court reviews. It dominated international press coverage during the month of March.
A decision by the Supreme Court the night before her death against intervening sealed her fate. The emergency request argued the federal courts did not consider whether there was enough "clear and convincing" evidence that Terri Schiavo had expressed a wish to not live in her current condition. The trial court in Pinellas County, Fla., determined she was in a persistent vegetative state. The Schindlers countered that assessment with statements from neurologists who claimed she was in a "minimally conscious state," able to respond to stimuli.
Terri Schiavo's life-sustaining feeding tube was removed by court order March 18 after a decade of bitter legal wrangling between Michael Schiavo and the Schindlers, who insisted their daughter had a strong will to live.
Her body was taken to the Pinellas County medical examiner's officer for an autopsy. It was then cremated and interred in Pennsylvania, according to Michael Schiavo's wishes.
Some legal analysts, while respectful of Florida Gov. Jeb Bush's efforts, criticized the governor for not using the executive powers they believe he had to take Terri Schiavo into protective custody.
Bush filed a motion to that end with Pinellas Circuit Court Judge George W. Greer, who had presided over the case for seven years, but it was rejected. The governor's critics maintain, however, he did not need judicial permission to act.
President Bush rushed back to Washington during a vacation to sign a bill giving federal courts jurisdiction in the case. However, the federal courts ignored the act of Congress and left the case with Greer.
I seriously doubt that we will ever find that out.
The Schindlers' nominated witness, Dr. Cyril Wecht, was told to not come. My understanding was that it is very rare for one medical examiner to deny another medical examiner permission to observe an autopsy.
It's hard to imagine the autopsy could show anything after 15 years as well. On the other hand, there had to be some reason why the report is what, about 6 weeks late??
autopsy results usually take about 6-8 weeks if not more in some cases. at least it took that long for my brother and my brother in-laws.
I'm very eager to hear what Mark Fuhrman has to say. I think his book should be out soon.
Char
Family kicked out of the hospital room when Terri passes, secret autopsy, hides the ashes. At least he's consistent, sad ending to a heartbreaking case.
I just have one question. It may be a dumb question, but I just want to make sure.
Who picked the doctor who performed the autopsy? Was it a court appointed doctor?
Hello? Anyone?
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