Medical Affidavit
March 4, 2005
Richard Weidman M.D. Head Physicial U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing Washington D.C.
I have not physically examined Terri Schiavo, however I base my opinions on my extensive experiences with my mother, who had Alzheimer’s dsease and a sever decrease in cerebral tissue, whom I personally cared for for over twenty years. I have read articles and seen pictures of Terri Schiavo on the news and on the Internet.
Based on my observations and experiences, Terri Schiavo is not in a persistent vegetative state. Someone in a persistent vegetative state has no cortical activity and would not be able to smile or cognitively respond to external stimuli, and Mrs. Schiavo is able to do both.
Medical Affidavit
March 4, 2005
Pamela Hyink S.L.P. Speech Language Pathologist Private Practice Bouler Colorado
Practicing Therapist for 35 Years
I have not seen Mrs. Schiavo, but in the videos that I have seen of her on the Internet, it is apparent to me that she is communicating. At least she seems to be making attempts to communicate. We usually consider talking to be the only means of communication, but facial expressions and body language communicate too. There seems to be a lot of communication going on with Mrs. Schiavo.