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DCF, Florida State, House enter Schiavo case
http://www.wtsp.com/news/news.aspx?storyid=12420

By:Dave Bohman

Clearwater, Florida - Judge George Greer admits there was an error in fact in the 2000 trial that established Terri Schiavo;s "right to die."

When a family friend claimed a 19-year-old Terri was upset that right to die icon Karen Ann Quinlan's parents removed her from life support, the Judge discounted the testimony, reportedly because the Judge said Quinlan died in 1976.

Quinlan was taken off life support in 1976, but died in 1985. A technical error, yes. But Wednesday afternoon, Judge Greer ruled it was not enough to affect the outcome of the 2000 lawsuit that held Terri would not want to be kept alive with severe brain damage.

Greer also ruled against Bob and Mary Schindler's request that Terri get a new medical evaluation.

The Schindler's are Terri's parents and claimed that Doctors are ready to testify that Terri is not in as bad shape as the court believes, and that new medical advances could help her.

Before the Judge's ruling, DCF attorneys asked the court to delay the March 18th, date for the removal of Terri's feeding tube. DCF lawyers claim they cannot investigate a February abuse complaint if Terri dies.

The lawyer for Terri's husband Michael Schiavo called the request "odious," that Terri's life and suffering would be prolonged against her court-established wishes, just so DCF can complete their investigation.

In Tallahassee,Republican lawmakers crafted a bill requiring that Terri Schiavo and other incapacitated people be afforded water and nutrition unless a living will directs otherwise.

Those who support Terri's right to die say the bill would be rejected by an appeals court because Terri's wishes to terminate life support have already been established.

Dave Bohman, Tampa Bay's 10 News