Posted on 06/16/2005 4:26:54 PM PDT by Mrs. Don-o
Schiavo Autopsy Leaves Most Important Questions Unanswered
For more information: Diane Coleman or Stephen Drake
(708) 209-1500 exts. 11 & 29
708-420-0539 (cell)
Forest Park, IL, June 15, 2005 -- Today's release of findings in the autopsy of Terri Schiavo leave the central issues in her life and death unanswered, says a national disability rights group.
For example, contrary to articles stating the autopsy report "supported" the diagnosis of "persistent vegetative state (PVS)," a neuropathology expert today was careful to say that PVS is a clinical diagnosis rather than a pathological one. He added that nothing in the autopsy was "inconsistent" with a PVS diagnosis.
... Several studies have revealed high misdiagnosis rates, with conscious people being mistakenly regarded as totally and irrevocably unaware.
The autopsy also documented significant brain atrophy, and the medical panel called the damage "irreversible." This is not the same as saying she had no cognitive ability.
"It's always seemed to us that PVS isn't really a diagnosis; it's a value judgment masquerading as a diagnosis," said Stephen Drake, a research analyst ... for national disability rights groups.
Diane Coleman of Not Dead Yet, agreed. "The core issues remain the same. Protection of the life and dignity of people under guardianship, and a high standard of proof in removing food and water from a person who can not express their own wishes. These are issues of great concern to the disability community - evidenced by the 26 national disability groups that spoke out in favor of saving Terri Schiavo's life ..."
Not Dead Yet oppos[es] legalization of assisted suicide, euthanasia and other forms of medical killing.
NOT DEAD YET 7521 Madison St * Forest Park, IL 60130 * Voice/TTY: 708-209-1500 * Fax: 708-209-1735 * TTY: 708-209-1826
(Excerpt) Read more at notdeadyet.org ...
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Now now, what would disability groups know about all this? It should be left up to pro-Michael Schiavo internet posters and other know-it-alls.
When PVS patients get in their wheelchairs and form activist groups, I'll pay attention. Until then, perhaps they should get their noses out of family decision.
So the fact of their helplessness is good enough reason for you to allow them to be treated as property?
The whole problem was that her family never had a chance to get their noses IN. Terri's family (mother, father, brother, sister) unanimously wanted to take her home and care for her IN THE FAMILY.
It was only her estranged husband --- who had long abandoned her maritally, socially, and medically --- and who could personally benefit from her prompt demise --- who was empowered by the courts to seek her death.
This wasn't a case about "strangers sticking their noses in." As soon as Michael Schiavo abandoned his marriage, his guardianship should have been removed and given to HER FAMILY, who never abandoned her; who loved her and wanted to take her home.
And as for the disability groups rallying to her cause: they, more than anybody, know what it is to have their rights taken away and put in the hands of dubious "guardians" who could end up pushing them down the exit ramp.
A terrible precedent. I hope it never happens to you.
Excellent post.
Thank you.
So, if you're not paying attention why are you sticking YOUR nose into this discussion? Hmmmm?
So you reserve that pesky little Constitutional right to life for those capabable of fighting for it? It's a right, not a privilege.
Terri's husband WAS her family.
Terri got due process. Many courts heard hours of testimony and came to the conclusion that Terri would not have wanted to vegetate indefinitely. Obviously, her parents felt that they should have property rights over Terri so they could impose their will upon her. And now a bunch of nosy activists want to intrude into family decisions as well. They can sit down and shut up...it's not their business.
Check out a copy of the Constitution. You'll see I'm correct.
Well the nosy activists have quite the bunch of groupies in here, so be careful.
So I've heard. ;)
Terri wasn't dying, until she was killed. Nobody tried to stop her natural progression toward death. She had a right to live. That was denied. It really isn't complicated.
Do you know for a fact that she wanted to live in a PVS state? Did she tell you personally?
That's one of the dumber posts I've seen in these parts.
Refute it.
I never suggested she wanted to be disabled. I'm pretty sure she didn't.
Terri was an individual.
Or, to use the constitutionally accurate description: A PERSON.
Read the Fifth Amendment, bub.
Also, read Article One, Section Two of the Florida Constitution. It is even more specific, using the words 'THE DISABLED' when it precludes stealing a citizen's life without trial and conviction of a capital crime.
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