During the past year, the Florida House has faced difficult choices in many areas. We have crafted legislation regarding the budget, healthcare, workers’ compensation, and prescription drug relief for Floridians. Presently, legislation is being considered to address the victims of legal dehydration and starvation deaths.
Every Floridian has a right to determine their own treatment, and anyone who has executed an advanced directive has the right to have his or her instructions carried out. Where there is no disagreement among family members, present law does not appear to create reasons for legislative intervention. However, the Terri Schiavo case raises troubling concerns that the proposed legislation would address.
The bill passed by the House in Special Session “E” on Monday night would allow the Governor to issue a moratorium to stop contested legal dehydration and starving deaths in Florida in certain instances. The moratorium would give the Legislature time to assess our current law.
With our pledge to protect the most vulnerable, I strongly believe that someone needs to be a voice for the voiceless like Terri Schiavo.
Again, thank you for contacting me. I will take your comments to heart and give them careful consideration as we address the issue of contested legal dehydration and starvation cases.
Very truly yours,
Johnnie Byrd
Speaker