Jeb Bush supports therapy for brain-damaged Florida woman; feeding tube removal set Oct. 15

AP Wire (breaking story) | October 7, 2003 | VICKIE CHACHERE

[NYer]

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) _ Gov. Jeb Bush is arguing that a brain-damaged woman should be provided therapy despite a state judge's order to remove the feeding tube that has been keeping her alive.

In documents made public Tuesday, lawyers representing the governor argued that Terri Schiavo is entitled to therapy aimed at helping her swallow to determine if she can eat and drink on her own.

The brief, filed late Monday, argues that state law recognizes the persistent vegetative state Schiavo is in as different from having a terminal illness. ``Terri's right to life is violated by the state when the state, acting as her guardian, assumes that her wish to live without artificial sustenance is the same as her wish not to be fed at all,'' the governor's brief said. ``The fact that she is unable to give herself nourishment is not a symptom of a dying body. It is the result of severe injury and disability.''

The 39-year-old woman has been at the center of a long legal battle between her parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, and her husband and legal guardian, Michael Schiavo. She suffered severe brain damage following a heart attack in 1990. The parents want her kept alive; her husband says she never wanted to be kept alive artificially. A hearing is scheduled Friday.

George Felos, a lawyer representing Michael Schiavo, contends there is no provision in the court rules for Bush's brief and said he will file a motion to strike it from the record. ``I think it's a very poor precedent, and it's an unfortunate use of his authority by the governor trying to intervene in this case ... gives the impression that he is trying to put political pressure on the judiciary, and I think that's wrong.''

Pat Anderson, the lawyer representing the Schindlers, declined to comment on the filing. Court-appointed doctors have testified that Terri Schiavo's brain damage is so severe she cannot be rehabilitated. Her feeding tube is set to be removed Oct. 15.

The governor's filing in the Schiavo case is an opinion, not a formal intervention seeking to replace Michael Schiavo as his wife's guardian. Earlier this year, Bush had unsuccessfully tried to intervene in another case, asking an Orlando court to appoint a guardian for the fetus of a disabled rape victim.

On the Net: Terri Schiavo's parents: http://www.terrisfight.org/

AP-ES-10-07-03 1502EDT

[NYer]

[NYer]

Signs of hope.

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[NautiNurse]

I am pleased that Jeb has taken another appropriate step in this tragic situation.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Thank you for this beautiful post!

``Terri's right to life is violated by the state when the state, acting as her guardian, assumes that her wish to live without artificial sustenance is the same as her wish not to be fed at all,'' the governor's brief said. ``The fact that she is unable to give herself nourishment is not a symptom of a dying body. It is the result of severe injury and disability.''

Gov. Jeb takes a stand for Terri and for life!

[Vets_Husband_and_Wife]

Thank GOD for Gov Bush!!

[chas1776]

Terri is dead and her parents are sick. The fight is over money not whether she is alive. Do you know how many appeals this has been through. The parents are sick. Get a "Living Will.

[livius]

Good for Jeb! I had read earlier today that he was going to do this.

As for the FL bishops, I think the only good one on this is my bishop, Bp. Victor Galeone of the St. Augustine Diocese. He's only been here about 2 years, and while I initially did not like him because he gave a truly offensive blame-America homily on 9/11, he has emerged as a real pro-life force.

Not only does he issue statements about abortion and euthanasia, he takes positive steps. He is having someone conduct a workshop for Catholic medical personnel on (orthodox) Catholic belief on dying, for example.

So I do have to stand up for at least one of the Florida bishops. (BTW, he is also very strong on family issues, and recently refused to let the Episcopalians use a Catholic church in JAX for a ceremony, because the egregiously pro-homosexual Episcopal presiding bishop Griswold was going to officiate.)

[Diva Betsy Ross]

Have you gone to the web site set up for her and seen the video footage of her? She is not brain dead. She responds to the sight of her Mother.

You do not know what you are talking about.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

chas, you're wrong. I'm sorry you've been misled.

[Ohioan from Florida]

You are a fool! You either cannot see or willingly choose not to see the truth about Terri. She is a living, breathing human being, and in the hearing on Sept.11, even the honorable George Greer admitted that much! I pity you.

[dandelion]

Signs of God! May God give us the strength to keep fighting, keep praying...

[honeygrl]

The parents are honorably fighting for the daughter they love. The husband is no better than a murderer. (same goes for the judge and the hubby's attorney) You are either uninformed or heartless.

[Hildy]

Oh boy...you're in for an attack now. Of course, what you say makes sense, but the pro-life people here are going to beat you silly!

[OldFriend]

Thanks for your courage in stating an opinion I share. Be prepared for all kinds of 'information' that you just can't live without.

I have a living will and would never in a million years want to be kept alive in such a state.

[OldFriend]

Thanks for your courage in stating an opinion I share. Be prepared for all kinds of 'information' that you just can't live without.

I have a living will and would never in a million years want to be kept alive in such a state.

[phenn]

Chas,

I'm very sorry that you feel that way. I disagree with you. When you have the time and inclination, please look for yourself on www.terrisfight.org and click the link for videos of Terri.

Her parent's aren't sick. They are heartsick that their daughter is being denied an opportunity for recover. You would probably want every opportunity for your child if a profound disability changed his or her life. Terri's parents are no different.

I don't intend to argue with you. Please just see for yourself.

[NYer]

I have a living will and would never in a million years want to be kept alive in such a state.

And Death by Starvation is a better choice? It is a slow, grueling and painful death, especially when the person is conscious, like Terri Schiavo. I wouldn't wish that on anyone, least of all you.

[marron]

Bush should post policemen at her bedside if thats what it takes to keep her husband from killing her.

The law exists to protect a citizen's rights. A citizen does not have the right to kill their spouse. If he doesn't want to pay for her care there are others who will. If he no longer wants to care for her, its understandable, he should get on with his life and leave her in the hands of those who are prepared to go the last mile with her.

[Ohioan from Florida]

I have a living will and would never in a million years want to be kept alive in such a state.

Few here will argue over YOUR personal decision to have a Living Will. Many will argue that saying you don't want to LIVE in such a way does not necessarily mean you want to DIE a certain way. Starvation and dehydration is not a pretty picture. And for those of you who are unaware, Terri did not have a Living Will or any other type of advance directive. Otherwise, this would all be moot.