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ProLifeBlogs...

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In a case that parallels that of Terri Schiavo, Lauren Richardson, a 23-year old non-dying citizen of Delaware, is being dehydrated and starved to death by order of the state, against the wishes of her father. - details at Defend Life, the Delaware Online and LifeNews. Update: see JillStanek.com for more.

A press release by the Delaware Pro-Life Coalition explains:

Lauren is a disabled, non-dying citizen of Delaware who gave birth to her child last year against all physical odds. She has continued to fight for her life. WE APPEAL TO THE
CITIZENS OF DELAWARE TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT HER LIFE AS A DISABLED PERSON BY SUSTAINING HER FOOD AND WATER. SHE WAS CREATED BY GOD AND HAS A CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO LIFE UNTIL HER NATURAL END OF LIFE.

Programs are available throughout the state and by private agencies to tube-fed, disabled citizens; they affirm human dignity and support the families of such individuals. To die by dehydration and starvation because the court deems it "necessary" is the ultimate in human abandonment by society. To use the law to impose death rather than support human life in all of its frailties is a crime against humanity.

WE BELIEVE LAUREN WANTS US TO AFFIRM HER LIFE.

Lauren's father Randy Richardson is scheduled to appear on FOX News "Hannity and Colmes," Friday, February 1st, 9:00 PM and released a video of his daughter.

Visit LifeforLauren for more information about what you can do to help.

Parents battle over life and death of daughter

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And more on Lauren...

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WASHINGTON, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Judie Brown, president of American Life League, released the following statement concerning an order by Delaware Court of Chancery Master Sam Glasscockon to give guardianship of Lauren Richardson to her mother, who wants to remove Lauren's feeding tube.

"Lauren is 23 years of age and, due to a heroin overdose, is now in a persistent vegetative state. At the time of the overdose, Lauren was expecting the birth of her baby and reports indicate that she was 'kept alive' to allow her to give birth, which she did in February of last year. Her daughter is now about to celebrate her first birthday, but Lauren may never have another birthday.

"Of interest is the fact that, during the pregnancy, Lauren relied on 'feeding tubes and a breathing machine' to keep her alive. Today Lauren has a feeding tube only. But there is a struggle going on regarding whether or not Lauren will live or die.

"Lauren's case is more than a sad commentary on the plight of a family battling over what each of the opponents believes would be in her best interest. Her story is a testimony to the growing philosophy in this country that some, because of their condition, are better off dead than alive.

"Like Terri Schiavo before her, Lauren is not dying nor is she in a terminal condition. She has been diagnosed as someone in a 'persistent vegetative state,' someone who is very much alive but locked in her body and unable to express her desires to anyone. The only thing Lauren is relying on is a feeding tube without which she will starve to death. Lauren's mother, who is Lauren's guardian, wants the feeding tube removed while Lauren's father is fighting to keep Lauren alive.

"This family is in our prayers. We hope that, in the interest of respecting Lauren's dignity as a human being whose future improvement or lack thereof is known only to God, the court will listen carefully to those who argue in favor of Lauren's right to life. It is a tragedy beyond description when any human being's fate rests solely on the subjective opinion of others, some of whom truly believe that patients like Lauren have no 'quality of life' and therefore are better off dead."

American Life League: Do Not Remove Lauren's Feeding Tube

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