Posted on 08/22/2003 1:50:08 PM PDT by nickcarraway
The Florida Supreme Court on Friday declined to get involved in the legal fight over a brain-damaged woman, clearing the way for her husband to have her feeding tube removed so she can die.
Terri Schiavo, 39, has been at the center of a long battle between her parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, and her husband, Michael Schiavo.
Michael Schiavo contends his wife would not want to be kept alive in what doctors call a persistent vegetative state. The Schindlers believe she can be rehabilitated and have fought her husband's efforts in the Florida courts.
"The Florida Supreme Court has, in essence, said `We will not intervene,'" said George Felos, a Dunedin attorney representing Michael Schiavo.
The brief order said "no basis for jurisdiction exists" and that no motion for reconsideration would be allowed. All seven justices signed the order.
Felos said the order will be formally transmitted to Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Judge George Greer at 3 p.m. Monday.
Greer said he likely will set a hearing for around the first week in September to set a date to have the feeding tube removed. He said he didn't know how soon after the hearing that could happen.
"I won't have any idea (about the date) until the hearing is concluded," Greer said Friday. "I need to hear from both the lawyers."
The attorney for the Schindlers, Pat Anderson, said she was consulting with other lawyers to plan her next move.
"Obviously, the family is devastated," Anderson said. "We're just evaluating our options, and no decisions have been made yet."
Terri Schiavo was 26 in 1990 when she suddenly collapsed in her home after her heart stopped from what doctors believe was a potassium imbalance.
Doctors said the loss of oxygen to her brain left her in a state where she can breathe on her own but is reliant on a liquid nutritional supplement and water delivered through a tube.
Although the Schindlers appeals have blocked Michael Schiavo's efforts, Florida courts have so far sided with his legal arguments. Most recently, the 2nd District Court of Appeal decided in June that the feeding tube can be removed.
The Florida Supreme Court previously declined to review the case in April 2001.
There will be a special place in hell for this "husband" who I understand is living with a woman and they have a child. Why didn't he divorce her.....the MONEY from the insurance co.....Pray for the parents....to watch your inocent child being staved to death and they aren't even allowed to visit....neither is a priest!!
My God...this country is so OVER.
No, which proves how selfish he is. He could divorce her and wash his hands of this whole thing, but he won't do it, 'cause he'd have to give up the settlement money.
Here is a copy of her 1991 bone scan
Evidence suggests that Terri’s brain damage in 1990 resulted from severe abuse. Her family assumed originally that Terri, though only 26 at the time, had suffered a heart attack. However, according to CNSNews.com and WorldNetDaily, medical and bone-scan reports reveal that Terri had been beaten and nearly strangled, resulting in her collapse.
How much of a chance do they need? It's been 13 years. Should they wait another 5 years? Another 10 years? Another 13 years for her to be "rehabilitated"?
At what point do they become the selfish ones? How does anyone know whether or not husband and wife discussed 'quality of life' issues in the event of this type of situation. Perhaps she did tell him she didn't want any extraordinary measures performed.
Perhaps the husband is motivated by monitary issues. Or perhaps, he knows his wife's heart better than the parents do.
Why just blame the ACLU? Aren't there any conservative groups that could help? Right to Life?
Third, I wish I knew someone who could "take care" of this guy... But I don't associate with criminals.
I had heard of it before, but I agree with you on both counts!
Or perhaps, he knows his wife's heart better than the parents do.
He never remembered that she ``wanted to die,'' until his last law suit was over. before that he said he wa sgoing to bring her home and care for her.
Didn't see that. I'll re-read. That would change things. Especially if she can implicate him in the event there was foul play.
If that turns out to be true...then hang him.
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