Father Robert Johansen: "Starving for a Fair Diagnosis"

Vivificat! - A Catholic Blog of Commentary and Opinion ^ | Sunday, March 20, 2005 | Teófilo

[Teófilo]

Terri Schiavo is not out of medical options. But that’s the “fact” her husband wants you to believe.

Folks, Father Robert Johansen, of Thrownback blog, has written an in-depth analysis of Terri Schiavo's situation in National Review On-Line. These are my favorite excerpts:

...Many people believe that Terri Schiavo has had “the best of care,” and that everything has been tried by way of rehabilitation. This belief is false. In fact, Terri has had no attempts at therapy or rehabilitation since 1992, and very little had been done up to that point. Terri has not even had the physical therapy most doctors would regard as normative for someone in her condition. The result is that Terri suffers from severe muscle contractures, which have caused her body to become contorted. Physical therapy could remedy this, but husband Michael has refused to provide it.

Terri has also suffered from what many professionals would regard as neglect. She had to have several teeth extracted last year because of severe decay. This decay was caused by a lack of basic dental hygiene, such as tooth-brushing. She also developed decubitus (skin) ulcers on her buttocks and thighs. These ulcers can be prevented by a simple regimen of regular turning: a basic nursing task that any certified nurse’s aide can perform. The presence of these easily preventable ulcers is a classic sign of neglect. Bob and Mary Schindler have repeatedly complained of Terri’s neglect, and have sought to remove Michael as guardian on that basis. Judge Greer was unmoved by those complaints as well.

And, quite apart from the question of Terri’s therapy and care, it is entirely likely that Terri has never been properly diagnosed. Terri is usually described as being in a Persistent Vegetative State (PVS), and indeed Judge Greer ruled as a finding of fact that she is PVS; but this diagnosis and finding were arrived at in a way that has many neurologists expressing surprise and dismay...

In spite of all the clear evidence to the contrary, Michael Schiavo, Judge Greer, and lawyer George Felos, continue referring to Terri's condition as PVS and their goose-stepping march over Terri Schiavo's right to life. They will consider nothing else but her death. May the Lord forgive them, and all of us.

- Read the Fr. Johansen's article "Starving for a Fair Diagnosis" in National Review On-Line

[Blumtoon]

Thanks for this post. Lots of info I haven't read anywhere else.