That helped a lot to clarify. The speech therapist has impressive credentials, but as she herself says she hasn't actually worked with Terry. Still, the testimony would be enough for me to side with the parents. Better to err conservatively - particularly if there is no written will/living will specifying what her preferences would have been.
I am rather surprised that the judges and ethicists side with the husband in this, which also makes me wonder if there isn't more to the story. I've seen similar situations where feeding tubes weren't replaced or antibiotics weren't given (comfort care only), and I've seen the process to get approval. Even when there is 100% agreement among staff and family it doesn't go through as easily as it appears this has.
Also, why hasn't a prosecutor taken the case if there is evidence of previous abuse? Apparently there isn't enough evidence to convince a jury, yet it appears there's a big Internet audience that is convinced with less evidence than the prosecutor has at hand. (yes, I'm being a bit judgmental on this one). I've just seen cases where the far right goes out on a limb to "protect" life at all costs when it only does damage to all involved.
Yes, you are right - the speech therapist has not seen Terri. Since the husband will only allow his hand-picked doctors to examine her, and has forbidden her caretakers to release any information to Terri's parents, there is no clear picture of her true condition available to us. But this is what is so infuriating. Why is he keeping her condition secret? Why has he not even let them TRY rehabilitation? Why did it take him so long to "remember" that Terri didn't want to be kept alive in this type of situation?
I just can't believe this judge would be so willing to let her starve to death without at least the attempt at rehabilitation - to go along with the husband that has refused to let that happen - especially since the money is there and the parents are willing to help in every way possible.
Who knows where Terri would be right now if she had started a rehabilitation program years ago?
And what about the bone-scan showing multiple fractures that took over 10 years to come to light? Shouldn't this potential crime be investigated? WHAT ARE THEY DOING DOWN THERE?!!
Sorry, my rant is not aimed at you. I just feel so helpless. Maybe Terri is irreparably brain-damaged. But like you, I would err on the side of caution. If I were the judge, there is no way I would allow the feeding tube to be pulled until I got some more definitive answers to these questions.