Why Refuse Terri Schiavo Speech Therapy?

Christian Wire Service ^ | 2/14/05 | Nathan Tabor

[bjs1779]

Unless Michael Doesn't Want to Know What She Thinks. If Michael Schiavo is so sure that Terri wants to die why does he refuse to give her speech therapy?

Over and over Terri Schindler Schiavo's parents have asked that Terri be given speech therapy. Terri's parents filed an emergency motion for immediate therapy in October of 2003, asking for 8 weeks of speech and swallow therapy. Michael Schiavo objected and the court sided with him.

In the light of Sarah Scantlin's recovery of her speech after 20 years, why won't Michael Schivo reconsider?

Speech Language Pathologist, Sara Green Mele, M.S. CCC-SLP, swore under oath,

"It is my judgment based on my training and clinical experience working with patients similar to Terri that she would, within a reasonable degree of clinical probability, be able to improve her ability to interact with her environment, communicate with others, and control her environment if she were given appropriate therapy and training as outlined above. These recommendations, in my opinion would greatly improve Terri's quality of life."

Sara Green Mele's complete affidavit is available online at: http://www.earnedmedia.org/mele.htm

[Chocolate Rose]

Thanks for the ping.

A spoon left by one of Terri's supporters

Bump this thread.

[JeffersonRepublic.com]

I thought they removed the feeding tube a few years ago, and Gov. Jeb Bush ordered it replaced, am I mistaken? If so, how can they rule against his order?

Who gave the courts the power to starve people to death? These judge have over step any sense of moral right that they are bound to as public servants and humanbeings.

Holtz
JeffersonRepublic.com

[clyde asbury]

Still downloading the video, MD?

I have an old 14.4 from '94, if you need to upgrade.

[bjs1779]

I'm new to this, but that's too bad. Still, down to the wire, I'm inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt.

Most people can't make that long without water. I like him, but.........I don't know if he is on the same page as us..

[kstewskis]

Plus the fact, a SLP therapist can perhaps teach them to swallow and ....heaven forbid...help them eat again!

/gasp

Michael Shiavo is deliberately killing this woman by witholding this life saving therapy.

[Chocolate Rose]

Check the updates here too--
The Empire Journal
http://www.theempirejournal.com/greer_schiavo_articles.htm

[BykrBayb]

Terri already swallows, just not well enough to sustain her. She used to be spoon fed, but Michael ordered the insertion of the feeding tube. I'm not sure if this was because it was cheaper than paying the staff to feed her, or if it was in preparation for killing her, but she didn't need it at the time.

[bjs1779]

I thought they removed the feeding tube a few years ago, and Gov. Jeb Bush ordered it replaced, am I mistaken? If so, how can they rule against his order?

Who gave the courts the power to starve people to death? These judge have over step any sense of moral right that they are bound to as public servants and humanbeings.

I am so glad you asked those questions. Jed did order it replaced after the Florida state legislature passed Terri's law. The United States Supreme Court said by its silence that Jeb was wrong.

Nobody gave the courts the power to starve people. But here we are.........

[bjs1779]

Michael Shiavo is deliberately killing this woman by witholding this life saving therapy.

You are way to kind to him.

[Goodgirlinred]

I was wondering the very same thing.

[kstewskis]

Terri already swallows, just not well enough to sustain her. She used to be spoon fed, but Michael ordered the insertion of the feeding tube. I'm not sure if this was because it was cheaper than paying the staff to feed her, or if it was in preparation for killing her, but she didn't need it at the time.

Wow, didn't know that. Working in the medical field, I'm not certain that the cost of her care would be significantly increased if someone had to feed her, vs. someone coming in and managing a feeding tube on her. My hunch is that all is included, but I could be wrong.

I think your latter reason could be the real reason.

Thanks for the update, BB.

[Goodgirlinred]

He can get an annulment.

[Ohioan from Florida]

Terri ping! If anyone would like to be added to or removed from my Terri ping list, please let me know by FReepmail!

[exDemMom]

Thanks for posting the video links. I just got high-speed internet--I haven't been able to see them before.

Terri is definitely aware of her surroundings--but even if she wasn't, even if she were in an actual coma--I would still feel the same way. It's wrong to kill another person, period.

I wonder if President Bush couldn't issue an executive order to save her? His brother did so much, it's such a shame to have his efforts go to naught.

[clyde asbury]

Time for me to go.

Thanks for the background and details tonight, bj. I will check in again tomorrow.

[Goodgirlinred]

Even if she can't eat or drink because of swallowing difficulties, such as a stroke patient might have, that is no reason to starve her to death! That is what feeding tubes are for!

[Rushy]

This is not a "right to die" case. Terri is not dying. She has to be dehydrated to death in order to kill her. There should be a legal and moral distinction between allowing somebody to die and causing somebody to die. In my opinion this case should be argued for Terri using the civil right of a disabled woman to receive basic pallative care. Handicaps are a specially protected class. When there is any doubt about the wishes of the person involved we should err on the side of life. Death is irrevokable.

[Ohioan from Florida]

Welcome to Free Republic!

[exDemMom]

"Rushy
Since Feb 15, 2005"

Congratulations on managing to post before you even join!

(It's still 11 pm, Feb 14)

And welcome!

[JeffersonRepublic.com]

If Mr. Schiavo's new "lady friend" tied him helplessly to a chair and didn't feed him, would the Florida courts consider this within her rights? Just asking.

Holtz
JeffersonRepublic.com