Food and water are not artificial to keeping one alive. Terri can swallow, but because her husband ordered that she not be fed by normal means a feeding tube was being used. Except for a few times when she was very sick, she has never needed a feeding tube to survive, but she does need to be fed, which is forbidden by her husband.
MYTH: Terri is PVS (Persistent vegetative state)
FACT: The definition of PVS in Florida Statue 765.101: Persistent vegetative state means a permanent and irreversible condition of unconsciousness in which there is: (a) The absence of voluntary action or cognitive behavior of ANY kind. (b) An inability to communicate or interact purposefully with the environment.
Terri's behavior does not meet the medical or statutory definition of persistent vegetative state. Terri responds to stimuli, tries to communicate verbally, follows limited commands, laughs or cries in interaction with loved ones, physically distances herself from irritating or painful stimulation and watches loved ones as they move around her. None of these behaviors are simple reflexes and are, instead, voluntary and cognitive. Though Terri has limitations, she does interact purposefully with her environment.
MYTH: Many doctors have said that there is no hope for her.
FACT: Dr. Victor Gambone testified that he visits Terri 3 times a year. His visits last for approximately 10 minutes. He also testified, after viewing the court videotapes at Terri’s recent trial, that he was surprised to see Terri’s level of awareness. This doctor is part of a team hand-picked by her husband, Michael Schiavo, shortly before he filed to have Terri’s feeding removed. Contrary to Schiavo’s team, 14 independent medical professionals (6 of them neurologists) have given either statements or testimony that Terri is NOT in a Persistent Vegetative State. Additionally, there has never been any medical dispute of Terri’s ability to swallow. Even with this compelling evidence, Terri’s husband, Michael Schiavo, has denied any form of therapy for her for over 10 years.
Dr. Melvin Greer, appointed by Schiavo, testified that a doctor need not examine a patient to know the appropriate medical treatment. He spent approximately 45 minutes with Terri. Dr. Peter Bambakidis, appointed by Judge Greer, spent approximately 30 minutes with Terri. Dr. Ronald Cranford, also appointed by Schiavo and who has publicly labeled himself “Dr. Death”, spent less than 45 minutes examining and interacting with Terri
MYTH: Terri does not need rehabilitation
FACT: Florida Statute 744.3215 Rights of persons determined incapacitated:
(1) A person who has been determined to be incapacitated retains the right
(i) To receive necessary services and rehabilitation.
This is a retained right that a guardian cannot take away. Additionally, it does not make exception for PVS patients. Terri has illegally been denied rehabilitation - as many nurses have sworn in affidavits.
MYTH: Removal of food was both legal and court-ordered.
FACT: The courts had only allowed removal of Terri's feeding tube, not regular food and water. Terri's husband illegally ordered this. The law only allows the removal of "life-prolonging procedures," not regular food and water:
Florida Statute 765.309 Mercy killing or euthanasia not authorized; suicide distinguished. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to condone, authorize, or approve mercy killing or euthanasia, or to permit any affirmative or deliberate act or omission to end life other than to permit the natural process of dying.
Just to clarify, I *WANT* to believe Terri is cognitive. I want her to revive. I don't want her to die. However, the facts I've seen simply don't support the belief she is cognitive and there's a chance she will recover.
Here's my problem with all of this. *IF* these are all true; why is it no court has EVER sided with Terri's parents and why is it all the court-appointed experts can find no trace of cognitive ability? I find it hard to believe not one court has ever concluded Terri is NOT in a PVS. I've even read the report of one of the court-appointed guardians.
I saw the tapes Terri's parents put out and it was obvious to me how the scenes were staged. Her mother holds her head directly in front of her face. Have you tried putting your face nearly nose-to-nose with someone and focus on the other? Her father stands in front of where Terri's face is and carries on a conversation when she's making noises and grunts. How do we know she doesn't always make such noises when they're not there or not having such a "conversation"?
That's the problem with just viewing a small clip of a videotape. It allows for highly edited and selective portions to support one's position. Those appointed by the courts who have spent MONTHS with Terri have ALL concluded she does NOT try to communicate and there is NO evidence of cognitive ability. Her eyes don't even focus on moving objects (IIRC).
Why do you think the neurologists who have actually examined her have all concluded she is in a PVS? The only ones who have claimed otherwise never examined her in person (again, IIRC) but only made such an observation by viewing the video her parents have put out. Even then, it was tentative pending examination.
Please clarify your claim about her ability to swallow. All I've seen were conclusions she was incapable of swallowing.