Replies

A few days ago I e-mailed my senators and representatives about the federal bills that were being discussed. I of course immediately received the auto responses from them, but this morning I got this message from Rep. Jim Nussle:

March 16, 2005

Dear XXXXXX:

Knowing of your strong interest in the preservation of life, I
wanted to send you this brief update on a related recent
Congressional action. Specifically, I have heard from many
Iowans regarding the case of Terri Schiavo who became
incapacitated following a 1990 heart attack. Her case involves a
dispute between her parents - who insist that Terri wants to live,
and her husband - who believes her life should end. Despite the
courts' pronouncement that she is in a persistent vegetative state,
evidence exists to the contrary.

While both Terri's parents and husband have been represented
during her case, Terri has never had the same opportunity. I
believe Terri has been denied the right of due process guaranteed
under the U.S. Constitution.

Terri Schiavo and others like her should receive the same
Constitutional protection as death row inmates, whose lives hang
on judicial proceedings. Introduced by Representative Weldon of
Florida, the Incapacitated Person's Legal Protection Act (H.R.
1151) would recognize the due process protection of habeas
corpus for incapacitated and disabled individuals who are the
subjects of court orders to end their life by removal of nutrition,
hydration or medical treatment. H.R. 1151 does not apply to
circumstances where an advance medical directive is in effect.

You will be pleased to learn that I recently became a cosponsor of
H.R. 1151. I believe the gift of life is too precious to be discarded.
Please know that my resolve on pro-life matters remains strong. I
am hopeful we will be able to enact H.R. 1151 very soon to protect
the rights of Terry Schiavo.

My best information comes from the people I represent. By going
to http://www.nussle.house.gov you may e-mail your comments to
me and learn more about my role in Congress.

Sincerely,

Jim Nussle
Member of Congress

I was so excited! He actually joined on as co-sponsor of H.R. 1151!

I also got another response from Senator Harkin (our embarrassing ultralib senator), and while being lukewarm, he surprised me by saying "I am sympathetic to the idea of federal court review to ensure that the wishes of the incapacitated person are fully known and being properly carried out."

At least is sounds like I'm not the only Iowan concerned enough about this injustice to write to them. I'm going to go write Rep. Nussle a thank you e-mail right now!