(Editor's Comments:  We received this Article as an Email from the "Disability Relations Group" <drg@drgglobal.com>, and, after we visited www.terrisfight.org,  we felt that it should be posted.  No matter what your opinion, this whole area deserves our serious consideration.)

In January of 2000, Terri Schiavo's life was put on trial in response to her husband's petition to remove an abdominal feeding tube which supplies Terri nutrition and water. After a biased trial, the Judge, George Greer ruled that Terri's feeding be terminated. He ordered Terri to die of starvation and dehydration.

As a result of Judge Greer's verdict and appeal court denials, in April of 2001, Terri was deprived of food and water for several days. At the last possible minute she was saved by the order of a different judge. Terri survived the 2+ day starvation ordeal and presently, even in an adverse Hospice environment, is doing well.

• Please understand, Terri is in relatively good health.
     

• She is not in a coma and in no imminent danger of death.
     

• Terri is not on a ventilator nor is she dependent on any life support machinery.

However, Terri receives her daily nutrition and hydration via an abdominal feeding tube, which under current Florida law, is viewed as a form of artificial life support.

Although Terri suffers from brain damage, she responds to her family and friends. She is cognizant, acutely aware of her surroundings and she reacts positively to stimulation. She frequently attempts to speak. Terri is not brain dead nor is she in a persistent vegetative state, as she was falsely represented to the court at her trial.

Several medical doctors have given sworn testimony that Terri has the potential for significant improvement, however her husband, Michael Schiavo, will not allow Terri any rehabilitation therapies. Currently, her husband is engaged, has lived with his fiancé for over 5 years and openly professes he will marry his fiancé when his wife, Terri dies. He will also will inherit the balance of Terri's 1.5 million dollar medical malpractice award upon her death.

The Florida courts view a feeding tube as a form of artificial life support. And because of the current state of Florida law, coupled with the ambitious euthanasia advocates, the same thing that Terri is going through could happen to a broad range of people.

Terri's case has attracted the attention of the powerful euthanasia group. Their involvement was easily recognized when it was discovered that the identical 'modus operandi' now used in Terri's case, was utilized in similar euthanasia cases in other parts of this country.

This anonymous evil cult hides their identity under catchphrases such as 'Right to Die' or 'Dying with Dignity,' working covertly to legalize euthanasia and assisted suicide. They contend it is a constitutional right to refuse or withdraw unwanted medical treatment. Their philosophy considers "quality of life" as the primary criteria for sustaining life.

Simply put, if an individuals condition does not attain a desirable level, that person is not worthy of living. Our medical society has been encouraged to adopt the devaluation of life theory through the influence of biomedical ethicists. Today's pro-euthanasia philosophy is equated by many as similar to Adolph Hitler's purification program. Essentially, if an individual does not meet an acceptable criteria, that person is no longer "a person" and is not good enough to live. It is estimated that now, assisted deaths are occurring on a daily basis, particularly with elderly or incapacitated.

We believe, Terri's case has become part of the euthanasia advocates' ambition to expand the categories of vulnerable people from whom food and water can be withheld. The significance of Terri's case can have far reaching repercussions. If we are unsuccessful, not only will it cost Terri her life, but the legal precedents established in this case have the potential to include the disabled into the category of people whose "quality of life" is deemed unacceptable, and they too may be considered unworthy of living. I think you will see that the importance of Terri's case goes far beyond her fate. There are no guarantees this couldn't happen to anyone's child or loved one.

However, Terri's husband is determined to end Terri's life. Terri once again faces a "death by starvation" trial which commences on October 11, 2002 and is scheduled (except October 17) through October 22. The trial will be conducted by Judge Greer at 315 Court Street, Clearwater, Fl. Terri's trial is open to the public. Join us in our endeavors, not only to save Terri from this travesty of justice, but also to deter the euthanasia momentum.

For information about how to help Terri can be found own her web site: 

http://www.terrisfight.org  

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