[Ohioan from Florida]

Hey, cyn! I can't speak for Tax Relief, but the news from the Pope should be considered compelling evidence that could change how Greer ruled in her case, as local priests gave testimony that it was not against Catholic doctrine to oppose the withdrawal of feeding tubes when terminal. Herein is the distinction, that someone in PVS is not terminal unless the feeding tube is removed, as in euthanasia by omission.

I'm a little surprised to see so many who do not understand the distinction between PVS and being terminal, comas, and such. They are not equal conditions. Don't be misled by the media mumbo-jumbo any further!

To that same point, all feeding tubes are not created equal, and the kind that Terri has is surgically implanted, not inserted and removed for each feeding as in the other type of feeding tube that goes through the esophagus. I believe the Pope is referring specifically to Terri's situation, of which she is but one person enduring this. There are many other Terri's out there.

[TaxRelief]

but the news from the Pope should be considered compelling evidence that could change how Greer ruled in her case, as local priests gave testimony that it was not against Catholic doctrine to oppose the withdrawal of feeding tubes when terminal.

Thank you Ohioan, well stated and perfectly summarized.

[cyn]

"I hate to say it, but it's time for the Schindlers to get another lawyer." -- I don't understand this.

I've noticed that as well, that people do not understand the difference between a terminal illness such as cancer, in which as the body declines, so often does the appetite, as I've observed at close hand, and 'pvs'/brain injury in an otherwise healthy person.

[Future Useless Eater]

>>the news from the Pope should be considered compelling evidence that could change how Greer ruled in her case, as local priests gave testimony that it was not against Catholic doctrine to oppose the withdrawal of feeding tubes when terminal.

AND

>>I'm a little surprised to see so many who do not understand the distinction between PVS and being terminal, comas, and such...

AND

>>people do not understand the difference between a terminal illness such as cancer


ummm, I'm missing your points about the phrase 'terminal'... are you saying Terri is clearly NOT terminal? (I would most certainly agree)

But Judge Greer, I'm sure feels otherwise, and he NEEDS to consider her 'terminal' in order to remove her nutrition. There were 2 or 3 tiny phrases added to state law around 1999 [senator King's legacy] that Greer is using.

One of these additions is vital to Judge Greer's actions against Terri: That one refers to an 'end of life condition' (ie: a 'terminal condition'), in which:

 
    1) the patient has suffered a significant loss of function,
    2) the patient can no longer feed him/herself, AND
    3) there is no compelling proof the patient can ever get better

Every person in Florida who meets 1+2+3 is a strong candidate for euthanasia!

---

although I have also heard it said that the 1999 law is being mis-interpreted by these courts...

Rep Fiorentino:

“This bill from 1999 was written for comatose individuals, not brain-damaged individuals. No person shall be deprived of any right because of race, religion, or physical disability.”
- posted on 10/20/2003 by Gelato