Flurry of activity to help save Terri

WorldNetDaily.com ^ | October 20, 2003 | WND

[joesnuffy]

STARVATION DAY 6 Flurry of activity to help save Terri Disabilities group seeks abuse probe, lawmakers consider bill but don't act

Posted: October 20, 2003 5:00 p.m. Eastern

© 2003 WorldNetDaily.com

Supporters of Robert and Mary Schindler's efforts to keep their daughter Terri Schindler-Schiavo alive are maintaining a frantic pace six days after the brain-disabled woman's feeding tube was removed by a judge's order.

The Tallahasse-based Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities has filed for an injunction to keep her alive in order to have time to investigate whether removal of her life-sustaining feeding tube was an act of abuse by her husband, Michael Schiavo, the Associated Press reported.

Schiavo -- who lives with another woman with whom he has a child and another on the way -- cut off all access to Terri's therapy and claims he only is fulfilling wishes expressed before she suffered a sudden collapse in 1990 under mysterious circumstances.

The Schindlers, who maintain a website on their daughter's case, say they have evidence Terri was physically attacked.

U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday announced he will issue a decision on the Tallahassee group's request by the end of the day.

Gordon Scott, an attorney for the advocacy group, asked for a 10-day injunction to provide time for an investigation after he had conversations with the Schindlers and a neurologist. Scott said he is not convinced Terri is in a "persistent vegetative state" as claimed by Michael Schiavo and his advocates.

Pinellas County Circuit Judge George W. Greer agreed to that assessment, however, and ordered the feeding tube removed Oct. 15.

Scott also believes, contrary to Michael Schiavo's claims, Terri is feeling pain from the starvation and dehydration.

George Felos, Michael Schiavo's attorney, contended Merryday has no jurisdiction in the case.

The Schindler family said Terri appears to be in stable condition at the Pinellas Park, Fla., hospice where she resides.

"She seems to be alert,'' said her brother, Bob Schindler Jr., according to the Associated Press. "But every day that goes by, we're getting into a crucial time for her. She's got an incredible will to live."

Florida House of Representatives Speaker Johnnie Byrd, R-Plant City, said lawmakers were trying to put together a moratorium "on the removal of nutrition and hydration from those who do not have a written directive and where there's a contest among the family about how to deal with this."

However, no action was taken by the end of today's session.

Previous stories:

Will 'Terri's Bill' save her life now?

Terri Schiavo denied Last Rites

Jeb Bush 'fails' Terri

Abuse report filed for Terri Schiavo

Desperate parents plead to Jeb Bush

Lawyers: Bush can step in for Terri

Starvation begins for Terri Schiavo

Husband protests video showing alert Terri

Terri Schiavo wants to live

No intervention for Schiavo

Joni Eareckson Tada joins vigil for Terri Schiavo

[LADY J]

"Keep praying everyone!!! Let's not lose hope just yet."

Praying for a miracle.

[windchime]

Sandra Murman-Tampa Good woman!

[agrace]

Most definitely! This seems to be her best chance yet. Of course they should have been doing this last week.

Female congresswoman talking about how convicted murderers on death row are treated better.

[ChemistCat]

He hasn't done it because if they had the power, they would get assistive communication devices (some require only slight coordination of eye movement in one eye, and nothing more!) and therapy beyond mere maintenance for her. She could then say what happened to her.

That's what he's afraid of.

That's why the body is to be cremated without autopsy as soon as he and Greer have managed to kill her.

[LADY J]

"That's why the body is to be cremated without autopsy as soon as he and Greer have managed to kill her."

He denies the family their daughter - even after death. He truly is a monster.

[Catspaw]

I wonder if they could pass a bill that would also free Michael Schiavo from paying alimony and any further responsibility for Terri's care if he'd divorce her and allow the Schindlers to take responsibility for Terri.

[supercat]

Grieving like a man who is waiting for the garbage truck to pick up the once-favored toy he broke, to get it out of his sight.

Not quite: waiting for the garbage to pick up someone else's once-favored toy he broke, to erase it from everyone's sight.

[agrace]

That'd be nice. :)

[Catspaw]

That may be one factor as to why he hasn't divorced Terri.

[supercat]

Question: Guardianship lasts 15 days, right? Could they take Terri to another county and have a judge there commence divorce procedings, or would any divorce proceedings have to go before Lord Voldemort?

[supercat]

That may be one factor as to why he hasn't divorced Terri.

There are many reasons. Michael's mistreatment of Terri would result in a huge lawsuit against him if anyone (a new guardian, or even a contientious guardian ad litem) had standing to file one. Jury trial this time, please.

[trussell]

Why is this Witch allowed to speak again. She already made her standing clear.

[agrace]

I have no real clue, but I would think they'd have to remove guardianship from Michael first.

[Libertina]

I am praying that the legislature can pass Teri's law TODAY and give her sustenance IMMEDIATELY!

[trussell]

I stand in agreement with you!!!

In Jesus Name, HEAR OUR PRAYERS!!

[supercat]

I have no real clue, but I would think they'd have to remove guardianship from Michael first.

Yes, of course. I was thinking way ahead of myself. Never mind. This whole case makes me ill.

[agrace]

They're getting ready to close on the bill now, original congressman - Stargel? - giving closing statement I believe.

[trussell]

THE BILL PASSES

[agrace]

THEY DID IT!!!!!

[windchime]

Senate takes up tomorrow morning.