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Local Doctor Plays Part in Schiavo Case
By Jackie Barnard
First Coast News
10/16/03
JACKSONVILLE, FL -- It was video of a moment between a daughter and mother that made up Dr. Jacob Green's mind.
"She turned to her mom, responded to mom in the room, there was no doubt this woman had minimal but definite cognizant function, she was not in a vegetative state," says Dr. Green.
Green is a neurologist. Studying the brain is what he does everyday.
About a year ago, he was asked by Terri Schiavo's parents for his opinion on whether or not their daughter was brain dead.
"She's alive....there's no question in my mind she is not brain dead."
Green sent his decision to the courts. He says he is shocked the courts have ruled there is no hope for Schiavo and allowed the only thing needed to keep her alive, her food tube, to be removed.
"I'll call it murder because what they're doing is taking away any chance," says Green.
For some, they say this is a chance to make sure it doesn't happen to them.
Or in Terri Schiavo's case, Dr. Green says, "This woman is not on a respirator, this woman has function, cutting her off is wrong, without question, it is the wrong thing to do."
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"She's alive....there's no question in my mind she is not brain dead."
Doctors who have testified in the case say the noises and facial expressions Schiavo makes are reflexes and not a sign she has the capability to communicate.
Green sent his decision to the courts. He says he is shocked the courts have ruled there is no hope for Schiavo and allowed the only thing needed to keep her alive, her food tube, to be removed.
"I'll call it murder because what they're doing is taking away any chance," says Green.
For some, they say this is a chance to make sure it doesn't happen to them.
James Perkins is healthy, but the story of Terri Schiavo, has him thinking about a living will. "I don't want to be a pain to my family or nothing like that, I wouldn't want to suffer or nothing like that."
A living will is basically a piece of paper that telling your family, the doctors, the hospital you do not want your life prolonged artificially.
"I think it's critical," says attorney Rebecca Berg. Most of her clients have a living will. Berg says, "It gives the person who signed the document, gives the family and the medical team more options."
It's pretty easy to get too. All you have to do is talk to your attorney or better yet just go on the internet. The forms are only a couple of bucks, some are even free.
It could be the difference in you getting what you want.
Or in Terri Schiavo's case, Dr. Green says, "This woman is not on a respirator, this woman has function, cutting her off is wrong, without question, it is the wrong thing to do."
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"She's alive....there's no question in my mind she is not brain dead. I'll call it murder because what they're doing is taking away any chance," says Green. "This woman is not on a respirator, this woman has function, cutting her off is wrong, without question, it is the wrong thing to do."
Thank you, God, for people who speak the truth, YOUR truth, so clearly and plainly. Please work in the hearts and minds of those who have the power to do good for Terri but haven't done so yet -- please speak to them in ways they can no longer ignore, as ONLY YOU can. May hard hearts be softened, may closed minds be opened. May those with evil intents be thwarted and prevented from doing any harm to this innocent woman -- it is a great evil!
Please strengthen those working to do good for Terri -- help them work hard and well together, with singleness of mind, to accomplish Terri's freedom as soon as possible. Help them to have the rest, peace, and comfort in every way that they need for this very intensive battle. If it is Your will, Father -- may Terri be able to spend the holidays with her family as Michael spend the holidays with his. Thank You for Your goodness and mercy. In Jesus' Name, Amen.