Why do you find Michael - who has two children illegitimate who can't be legitimate until Terri is out of the picture so Michael can marry again -- more "credible" than Terri's mother? Michael has something personal to gain if Terri is killed. He can marry his fiance and give his children legal status. So why do you give him more standing and more credibility than the mother who bore Terri?
For multiple reasons.
#1. According to court testimony, Michael formally offered to divest himself entirely of his financial interests in the guardianship estate. That tells me he isn't in it for the $$.
#2. He's been offered money twice to keep her alive. Once $10M and once $1M. That he has turned down money tells me he is more committed to carrying out his wife's wishes.
#3. He was not insistent on this point until the Schindlers testified to this in court. After which time he was quoted as saying something like "That's enough." (I know my husband would NEVER let this happen to me and would try to work with my mother but this would be the final straw for him too):
Court testimony provided by members of the Schindler family included very personal statements about their desire and intention to ensure that Theresa remain alive . . . at any and all costs. Nearly gruesome examples were given, eliciting agreement by family members that in the event Theresa should contract diabetes and subsequent gangrene in each of her limbs, they would agree to amputate each limb and would then, were she to be diagnosed with heart disease, perform open-heart surgery. Within the testimony, as part of the hypothetical presented, Schindler family members stated that even if Theresa had told them of her intention to have artificial nutrition withdrawn, they would not do it.
#4. Michael in-laws admitted in court on the stand under oath that they had told him it was time for him to get on with his life. The families used to live together and get along very well. It was not until Mr. Schindler got angry that Michael got the malpractice $$ that the relationship deteriorated.
I'm married and if something happens to me, my husband may sue and get the money. My dad (stepdad) isn't going to be entitled nor would he ask for one dime.
#5. Terri's sister was on CNN Friday night and said that Terri is a healthy, vibrant woman. Hello?
#6. Terri's parents brought Terri home in 1990. They were overwhelmed (their word) and they sent her back to rehab. What confidence do we have that 15 years later and 15 years older they will be able to care for her.
#7. Court records compliment Michael on his care for Terri which by all accounts has been exemplary. He even became a respiratory therapist in order to better care for her. I know someone who flunked out of that course; I don't think it's rocket science but don't think it's an easy thing to do either.
#8. I would always want my spouse to have the final say in my care. I also think it's too difficult a thing for parents to be expected to let a child go. It's the most gut wrenching thing in the world. I've seen my stepdad do it and it nearly killed him.
#9. There are other reasons but I can't think of them right now :-)