Dr. James Dobson Calls for Campaign to Save Terri Schiavo
Time is running out for Terri Schiavo, the disabled Florida woman who is being dehydrated and starved to death on the authority of a court order. Today was Schiavo's fifth day without food or water -- her death could come at any moment, according to medical experts.
That's why, Focus on the Family founder and chairman Dr. James Dobson said today, all Americans who value life must do what they can to save her.
Dobson is urging Focus on the Family constituents and others to contact key members of the Florida Legislature, and Gov. Jeb Bush, and ask them to support the introduction of "Terri's Bill," which if passed into law would bring an end to Schiavo's ordeal.
"If a dog were starved to death in this manner, the person responsible would be arrested for doing it," Dobson said. "This is cruel and it is unusual and it is not even punishment. It's just another example of judicial tyranny."
Pinellas County Circuit Court Judge George W. Greer ruled last month that the feeding tube sustaining Schiavo, who is profoundly disabled but not in a coma, be removed as her husband, Michael Schiavo, wished.
The key Florida legislators to contact regarding the attempt to overrule that order with a legislative moratorium on the removal of nutrition and hydration are listed below. Click on the links beneath their names for contact information -- and then contact them by e-mail, phone and fax if you're able. You also can forward this e-mail to friends and family and urge them to do the same.
** House Speaker Johnnie Byrd, who could potentially introduce "Terri's Bill" in the House.
http://capwiz.com/fof/bio/?id=2392&lvl=L
** Senate Majority Whip Jim Sebesta, who could possibly introduce the bill in the Senate.
http://capwiz.com/fof/bio/?lvl=L&chamber=S&ID=1294&submit=View+Member
** Senate President Jim King, who has said he doesn't think taking up the Schiavo case is wise and is considered a key roadblock to the legislation's success.
http://capwiz.com/fof/bio/?lvl=L&chamber=S&ID=706&submit=View+Member
In addition, e-mails, phone calls and faxes to Gov. Bush urging him to find a way to intervene on Schiavo's behalf immediately continue to be crucial.
http://capwiz.com/fof/bio/?id=9483&lvl=S
"This young woman," Dobson said, "must not be allowed to die."