Terry Schiavo

TwingleMum

DIS Veteran
Joined
Dec 12, 2002
Where is King Solomon when you need him?? I don't pretend to know what the "right " thing to do in this situation. I can undestand both sides position. One side says they are for Liberty and Terry Schiavo has expressed to several people that she would not want to live like this. On the other side is her parents who cling to the hope that she will get better. The hard part to reconcile is the fact she isn't on life support and several of her care takers report that she can speak. Personally this threw me. I didn't know this. And 2 therapist said they were prevented from doing therapy with Terry by her husband. Things like putting objects in her hand for her to squeeze to strengthen her hands. This too disturbed me a bit. And starving her is barbaric. Its an awful way to die. Why not overdose her with morphine or something and let her slip away peacefully. As a Mom and a Sister I can empathise with the families heartache. As a parent you cry over scraped knees and hurt feelings. I cannot imagine the horror of knowing your child is suffering unimaginably and there is nothing you can do to eleviate it. I just find it all incredibly sad and just needed to vent and send a prayer to a young woman many miles away and hope her journey is swift and as painless as possible. Maybe both sides could stop for a minute and realise this is a person we're speaking of not some charactor on a program. And treat Terry and the situation with the dignity it deserves. I'm sorry I couldn't express it as eloquently as I feel it in my heart but I needed to say "God Bless you, Terry."
 
It is all so sad :sad2:

I was wondering if anyong feels like I do in that it has gone beyond the family and become more of a power struggle between the legislative branch and judicial branch. Combine that with the fight between states rights and federal rights. Terry and both sides of the family seemed to have been reduced to just chess pieces.
 
Bah! It's another Terri Thread! Noooooooooooooooo! Fluff, fluff, lots of fluff!
 
JoeD said:
Were there really several? I haven't kept up to date with every detail, but I thought it was only her husband, and he didn't mention that she supposedly said it until several years after she was stricken. I saw an interview with a friend of hers and she gave an opposite account of Terri's attitude towards the subject. It's tough to know what to believe since it wasn't written.
It's in court documents that she said it to her brother and couple friends.
This is the best synopsis of the case from the court appointed GAL.. This is his report to the court..It contains only things that have been proved in court
Terri can't speak..She never could.

http://jb-williams.com/ts-report-12-03.htm


This site has MANY court documents

http://www.miami.edu/ethics/schiavo/timeline.htmKEY EVENTS IN THE CASE OF THERESA MARIE SCHIAVO



Kathy Cerminara, Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center
Kenneth Goodman, University of Miami Ethics Programs
With thanks to Steven Haidar, Dartmouth College
This content may be reproduced for non-commercial, education purposes only, with appropriate attribution to the source. (For more information, read our copyright policy.) Please send comments, suggestions and corrections to Ken Goodman, UM Ethics Programs, at ethics@miami.edu. News media and others seeking comment from Florida Bioethics Network leaders should call 305-243-5723.


Timeline

December 3, 1963
Theresa (Terri) Marie Schiavo is born.

Novermber 1984
Terri and Michael Schiavo are married.

February 25, 1990
Terri Schiavo suffers cardiac arrest, apparently caused by a potassium imbalance and leading to brain damage due to lack of oxygen. She was taken to the Humana Northside Hospital and was later given a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) to provide nutrition and hydration.


May 12, 1990

Terri Schiavo is discharged from the hospital and taken to the College Park skilled care and rehabilitation facility.

June 18, 1990
Court appoints Michael Schiavo as guardian; Terri Schiavo’s parents do not object.

June 30, 1990
Terri Schiavo is transferred to Bayfront Hospital for further rehabilitation efforts.

September 1990
Terri Schiavo’s family brings her home, but three weeks later they return her to the College Park facility because the family is “overwhelmed by Terri’s care needs.”

November 1990
Michael Schiavo takes Terri Schiavo to California for experimental “brain stimulator” treatment, an experimental “thalamic stimulator implant” in her brain.
January 1991

The Schiavos return to Florida; Terri Schiavo is moved to the Mediplex Rehabilitation Center in Brandon where she receives 24-hour care.

July 19, 1991
Terri Schiavo is transferred to Sable Palms skilled care facility where she receives continuing neurological testing, and regular and aggressive speech/occupational therapy through 1994.

May 1992
Terri Schiavo’s parents, Robert and Mary Schindler, and Michael Schiavo stop living together.

August 1992

Terri Schiavo is awarded $250,000 in an out-of-court medical malpractice settlement with one of her physicians.

November 1992

The jury in the medical malpractice trial against another of Terri’s physicians awards more than one million dollars. In the end, after attorneys’ fees and other expenses, Michael Schiavo received about $300,000 and about $750,000 was put in a trust fund specifically for Terri Schiavo’s medical care.

February 14, 1993

Michael Schiavo and the Schindlers have a falling-out over the course of therapy for Terri Schiavo; Michael Schiavo claims that the Schindlers demand that he share the malpractice money with them.

July 29, 1993

Schindlers attempt to remove Michael Schiavo as Terri Schiavo’s guardian; the court later dismisses the suit.


March 1, 1994

First guardian ad litem, John H. Pecarek, submits his report. He states that Michael Schiavo has acted appropriately and attentively toward Terri Schiavo.

May 1998

Michael Schiavo petitions the court to authorize the removal of Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube; the Schindlers oppose, saying that Terri would want to remain alive. The court appoints Richard Pearse, Esq., to serve as the second guardian ad litem for Terri Schiavo.

December 20, 1998
The second guardian ad litem, Richard Pearse, Esq., issues his report in which he concluding that Terri Schiavo is in a persistent vegetative state with no chance of improvement and that Michael Schiavo’s decision-making may be influenced by the potential to inherit the remainder of Terri Schiavo’s estate.

January 24, 2000
The trial begins; Pinellas-Pasco County Circuit Court Judge George Greer presides.

Testimony of Father Gerard Murphy

February 11, 2000

Judge Greer rules that Terri Schiavo would have chosen to have the PEG tube removed, and therefore he orders it removed, which, according to doctors, will cause her death in approximately 7 to 14 days.



March 2, 2000

The Schindlers file a petition with Judge Greer to allow “swallowing” tests to be performed on Terri Schiavo to determine if she can consume—or learn to consume—nutrients on her own.



March 7, 2000

Judge Greer denies the Schindlers’ petition to perform “swallowing” tests on Terri Schiavo.





March 24, 2000

Judge Greer grants Michael Schiavo’s petition to limit visitation to Terri Schiavo as well as to bar pictures. Judge Greer also stays his order until 30 days beyond the final exhaustion of all appeals by the Schindlers.

3-24-00 Greer Stay and Order Limiting Visitation



January 24, 2001

Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal (2nd DCA) upholds Judge Greer’s ruling that permits the removal of Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube.

In re Schiavo, 780 So. 2d 176 (2nd DCA 2001), rehearing denied (Feb. 22, 2001), review denied, 789 So. 2d 348 (Fla. 2001). (Case No.: SC01-559)

1-24-01 DCA Ruling



February 22, 2001

The Schindler family’s motion for an Appellate Court rehearing is denied.



March 12, 2001

Michael Schiavo petitions Judge Greer to lift his stay, issued March 24, 2000, in order to permit the removal of Terri Shiavo’s PEG tube.



March 29, 2001

Judge Greer denies Michael Schiavo’s motion to lift stay issued on March 24, 2000; Michael Schiavo can remove Terri’s PEG tube at 1 p.m. on April 20.

3-29-01 Greer Order



April 10, 2001

The 2nd DCA denies the Schindlers’ motion to extend Judge Greer’s stay, which is scheduled to expire April 20, 2001.

4-10-01 DCA Order



April 12, 2001

The Schindlers file a motion requesting that Judge Greer recuse himself.



April 12, 2001

The Schindlers petition the Florida Supreme Court to stay the removal of Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube.

4-12-01 Motion for Stay Part 1

4-12-01 Motion for Stay Part 2

4-12-01 Court’s Request for Response from Schiavo



April 16, 2001
Judge Greer denies the Schindlers’ motion to recuse himself.



April 18, 2001

The Florida Supreme Court chooses not to review the decision of the 2nd DCA.

In re Schiavo, 789 So. 2d 248 (Fla. 2001). Case No.: SC01-559

3-22-01 Schindler family’s Notice to Appeal to Supreme Court

3-30-01 Schindlers’ Jurisdictional Brief Part 1

3-30-01 Schindlers’ Jurisdictional Brief Part 2

4-18-01 Order Denying Rehearing and Motion for Stay



April 20, 2001

Federal District Court Judge Richard Lazzara grants the Schindlers a stay until April 23, 2001, to exhaust all their possible appeals.



April 23, 2001

Justice Anthony M. Kennedy of the United States Supreme Court refuses to stay the case for a review by that Court.



April 24, 2001

By order of trial court Judge Greer, and upon issuance of a 2nd DCA mandate, Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube is removed



April 26, 2001

The Schindlers file an emergency motion with Judge Greer for relief from judgment based upon new evidence, which includes a claim that a former girlfriend of Michael Schiavo will testify that he lied about Terri Schiavo’s wishes; Judge Greer dismisses the motion as untimely. Also on this date, the Schindlers file a new civil suit that claims that Michael Schiavo perjured himself when he testified that Terri Schiavo had stated an aversion to remaining on life support. Pending this new civil trial, Circuit Court Judge Frank Quesada orders Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube to be reinserted.



April 30, 2001

Michael Schiavo files an emergency motion with the 2nd DCA to allow the removal of Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube.



May 9, 2001

The 2nd DCA announces a date for the hearing of oral arguments regarding Michael Schiavo’s motion of April 30, 2001.



June 25, 2001

Arguments in 2nd DCA regarding Michael Schiavo’s motion of April 30, 2001.



July 11, 2001

The 2nd DCA remands the case back to Judge Greer. (1) The 2nd DCA informs the Schindlers that they must address both their desire to have new evidence heard and their perjury claim against Michael Schiavo within the original guardianship proceeding; further, the Schindlers are instructed to file a new motion for relief from judgment in the guardianship proceeding. (2) The 2nd DCA instructs Judge Greer to weigh the Schinders’ new evidence in making a new determination of what Terri Schiavo would have wanted. (3) The 2nd DCA denies Michael Schiavo’s request to discontinue the PEG tube.

In re Schiavo, 792 So. 2d 551 (2nd DCA 2001).

7-11-01 DCA Order



August 7, 2001

After the 2nd DCA remands the case back to Judge Greer, he again finds that Michael Schiavo may remove Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube on August 28.



August 10, 2001

Judge Greer denies the Schindlers' motion (1) to have their own doctors examine Terri Schiavo, (2) to remove Michael Schiavo as her guardian, and (3) to disqualify himself from the proceedings.



August 17, 2001
Judge Greer delays the removal of Terri Schiavo's PEG tube until October 9 in order to allow the Schindlers time to appeal.



October 3, 2001
The 2nd DCA delays the removal of the PEG tube indefinitely.



October 17, 2001

The 2nd DCA rules that 5 doctors should examine Terri Schiavo to determine if she can improve with new medical treatment. The Schindlers and Michael Schiavo are to choose 2 doctors each, and the court is to appoint a doctor. The appeals court also affirms Greer’s denial of the motion to disqualify himself.

In re Schiavo, 800 So. 2d 640 (2nd DCA 2001).

10-17-01 DCA ruling



November 1, 2001

The 2nd DCA denies Michael Schiavo’s motion to rehear the case.



December 14, 2001

Michael Schiavo petitions the Florida Supreme Court to stay the October 17, 2001 ruling of the 2nd DCA. He states that he and the Schindlers will attempt to mediate the dispute in lieu of further litigation.

12-05-01 Michael Schiavo’s Notice of Appeal to the Florida Supreme Court

12-14-01 Michael Schiavo’s Motion to Stay DCA’s Ruling.



December 19, 2001

Attorneys meet with a mediator to determine which tests doctors should run on Terri Schiavo.



January 10, 2002

State Supreme Court stays all legal proceedings pending mediation; it orders attorneys to report on the status of mediation in sixty days.

1-10-02 SC Order of Stay



February 13, 2002

Mediation between the Schindlers and Michael Schiavo fails.

2-13-02 Notice that Mediation failed



March 14, 2002

The Florida Supreme Court denies Michael Schiavo’s petition to review the 2nd DCA’s ruling allowing 5 doctors to examine Terri Schiavo.

In re Schiavo, 816 So. 2d 127 (Fla. 2002) (Table, No. SC01-2678)

2-13-02 Michael Schiavo’s Jurisdictional Petition

2-13-02 Michael Schiavo’s Petition to Stay ruling of 2nd DCA (10/17/01).

2-22-02 Court’s Order of Stay pending its final decision

3-01-02 Schindler’s Jurisdictional Brief

3-13-01 Michael Schiavo’s Motion to Strike

3-14-01 Order Denying Schiavo’s Petition

3-14-01 Order to Strike



October 12-22, 2002

The trial court holds a new hearing on new potential medical treatments.



November 15, 2002

The Schindlers contend that Michael Schiavo might have abused Terri Schiavo and this abuse led to her condition. They ask the court for more time to collect evidence, and to remove Michael Schiavo as guardian.

11-15-02 Petition to remove MS as guardian



November 22, 2002

Judge Greer rules that Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube should be removed January 3, 2003.

In re Schiavo, 2002 WL 31817960 (Fla. Cir. Ct. Nov. 22, 2002) (No. 90-2908-GB-003)

Nov22 2002 TC trialctorder11-02.txt



December 13, 2002

Judge Greer stays his November 22 ruling: Terri Schiavo should not have her PEG tube removed until an appeals court can rule on the case.



December 23, 2002

The 2nd DCA denies a motion Michael Schiavo filed seeking permission to remove the PEG tube.



June 6, 2003

The 2nd DCA, affirming Judge Greer’s November 2002 ruling, concludes that Michael Schiavo can remove Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube on October 15.

In re Schiavo, 851 So. 2d 182 (2nd DCA 2003) (No. 2D02-5394), rehearing denied (July 9, 2003), review denied 855 So. 2d 621 (Fla. 2003).

6-06-03 Court Opinion





July 9, 2003

The 2nd DCA refuses to reconsider its decision.



August 22, 2003

The Florida Supreme Court declines to review the decision.

Schindler v. Schiavo, 855 So. 2d 621 (Fla. 2003) (Table, No. SC03-1242)

7-24-03 Notice of Schindlers' Appeal

7-31-03 Michael Schiavo’s Motion to Vacate

Court Order denying Motion to Vacate

8-07-03 Schindler's Petition for a Supreme Court Review

8-13-03 Michael Shiavo’s Response to Petition for Review

8-18-03 Schindlers motion for a Stay

8-19-03 Court Orders Schiavo to make a Respond for the Motion for Stay

8-20-03 Shiavo’s Response to Motion for Stay

8-22-03 Court Order denying Review and Motion for Stay



August 30, 2003

Terri Schiavo’s parents file a federal lawsuit challenging the removal of Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube. Schiavos’ petition (D). Schindler v. Schiavo, Civil Action No. 8:03-CV-1860-T-26-T-TGW



September 17, 2003

Judge Greer orders the removal of the PEG tube to take place on October 15, 2003. He also rejects the Schindlers’ request that Terri Schiavo be given therapy to learn how to eat without the tube.

9-17-03 Court Order



October 7, 2003

Governor Jeb Bush files a federal court brief in support of the Schindlers’ effort to stop the removal of the PEG tube.



October 10, 2003

Federal Court Judge Richard Lazzara rules that he lacks the jurisdiction to hear the federal case.



October 14, 2003

The 2nd DCA refuses to block Judge Greer’s order to remove the PEG tube.



October 15, 2003

Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube is once again removed.



October 17, 2003

The Florida Circuit Court in Pinellas County and the First District Court of Appeal refuse to grant a request made by the “supporters” of the Schindlers to direct Governor Jeb Bush to intervene in the Schiavo case.



October 19, 2003

The Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, Inc. files a federal court lawsuit that claims that the removal of Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube is abuse and neglect.

Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, Inc. v. Schiavo, No. 8:03-CV-2167-T-23EAJ



October 20, 2003

The Florida House of Representatives passes a bill, “Terri’s Law,” that allows the governor to issue a “one-time stay in certain cases.”

HouseBill35-E.pdf



October 21, 2003

The Florida Senate passes the bill; Governor Bush issues an executive order directing reinsertion of the PEG tube and appointing a guardian ad litem for Terri Schiavo.

Schiavo Controversy Fla_ Gov_ Exec_ Order No_ 03-201.htm

Statements by some House members



October 21, 2003

Michael Schiavo files a state-court lawsuit arguing that “Terri’s Law” is unconstitutional and seeking an injunction to stop the reinsertion of the PEG tube; the court requests briefs on the Constitutional arguments about “Terri’s Law.”

10-21-03 Schiavo Injunction

Amicus Brief from House Speaker Byrd (B)
Schiavo v. Bush. No. 03-008212-CI-20 (Cir. Ct. Pinellas County, Florida).


October 21, 2003

The federal court denies the motion for a temporary restraining order filed in the lawsuit of the Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, Inc.

Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, Inc. v. Schiavo, 2003 WL 23305833, 17 Fla. L. Weekly Fed. D 291 (M.D. Fla. Oct. 21, 2003).

10-21-03 US District Court Order



October 21, 2003

Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube is reinserted.



October 22 2003

David Demeres, Chief Judge for the Pinellas County Circuit Court, orders both the Schindlers and Michael Schiavo to agree within 5 days on an independent guardian ad litem as required under the Governor’s order. (“Terri’s Law” directs: “Upon issuance of the stay, the chief judge of the circuit court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for the patient to make recommendations to the Governor and the court.”)

Schiavo's Response

Schindlers' Response



October 28, 2003

President George W. Bush praises the way his brother, Governor Jeb Bush, has handled the Schiavo matter.

Transcript of Rose Garden Press Conference



October 29, 2003

Michael Schiavo files court papers in his state-court lawsuit, arguing that “Terri’s Law” is unconstitutional. The American Civil Liberties Union has joined Michael Schiavo.

Michael Schiavo petitioner brief



October 31, 2003

Judge Demers appoints Dr. Jay Wolfson as Terri Schiavo’s guardian ad litem. Dr. Wolfson holds both medical and legal degrees; he is also a public health professor at the University of South Florida. He is supposed to represent Terri Schiavo’s best interest in court, but he has no authority to make decisions for her.

10-31-03 GAL Appointment



November 4, 2003

Governor Jeb Bush asks Circuit Court Judge W. Douglas Baird to dismiss Michael Schiavo’s suit (filed October 21, 2003) that challenges “Terri’s Law.”



November 8, 2003

Judge Baird denies Governor Bush’s motion to dismiss the state-court suit.



November 10, 2003

Governor Bush appeals Judge Baird’s decision; the filing of the appeal has the effect of staying the removal of Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube.



November 14, 2003

Judge Baird vacates the stay.

11-14-03 Order vacating stay.



November 14, 2003

In response to Judge Baird’s lifting the stay, the 2nd DCA issues an indefinite stay.



November 19, 2003

Governor Bush files a petition to remove Judge Baird.

11-19-03 Petition



November 21, 2003

Florida Sens. Stephen Wise and Jim Sebesta introduce legislation (S692) that would require persons in persistent vegetative states to be administered medically supplied nutrition and hydration in the absence of a living will, regardless of family beliefs about what those patients would have wanted. The measure is withdrawn from consideration on April 16, 2004.

Bill to require sustenence when no living will exists





December 1, 2003

Jay Wolfson, guardian ad litem, concludes in his report that Terri Schiavo is in a persistent vegetative state with no chance of improvement.

Wolfson's Report

Governor Bush's response to Wolfson's report



December 10, 2003

The 2nd DCA refuses to remove Judge Baird, who is the presiding judge in the state-court lawsuit filed October 21, 2003.

Bush v. Schiavo, 861 So. 2d 506 (2nd DCA 2003) (No. 2D03-5244)

12-10-03 Court Opinion



January 5, 2004

The Schindler family petitions the Pinellas County Circuit Court to reappoint Jay Wolfson, the guardian ad litem.

1-05-04 Schindlers petition to reappoint GAL



January 8, 2004

Judge Demers rejects the request to reappoint the guardian ad litem, citing the pending court decisions over the constitutionality of “Terri’s Law” as reason to wait on any action.

1-08-04 Order denying reinstatement of GAL





February 13, 2004

The 2nd DCA reverses Judge Baird’s ruling (in the case filed October 21, 2003) that denied the Schindlers permission to intervene in Michael Schiavo’s Constitutional challenge to “Terri’s Law.” The 2nd DCA explains that Judge Baird did not follow proper procedure. The court also gives permission to Governor Bush to question several witnesses who Judge Baird previously had ruled could not offer any relevant testimony.

Bush v. Schiavo, 866 So. 2d 140 (Fla. 2nd DCA 2004) (on intervention); 866 So. 2d 136 (2nd DCA 2004) (on request to take depositions). (Case No. 2D03-5783).

bushschiavo2 13 04 opn.pdf

2-13-04 Opinion allowing parents to intervene



March 12, 2004

Judge Baird again rejects the Schindlers’ request to intervene in Michael Schiavo’s suit that questions the constitutionality of “Terri’s Law.”



March 20, 2004
Pope John Paul II addresses World Federation of Catholic Medical Associations and Pontifical Academy for Life Congress on "Life-Sustaining Treatments and Vegetative State: Scientific Advances and Ethical Dilemmas." His remarks spark widespread interest and controversy.
Pope's address



March 29, 2004

Nursing home workers discover 4 “fresh puncture wounds” on one arm and a fifth wound on the other arm; the workers state that a hypodermic needle appears to have caused the wounds. Attendants discovered the wounds shortly after the Schindlers visited Terri Schiavo for 45 minutes. Toxicology reports indicate that no substance was injected into Terri Schiavo. Clearwater police later conclude that the marks might have been made by a device used to move Ms. Schiavo and, in any case, that no evidence of abuse or other wrongdoing could be found.
St. Petersburg Times report (May 15, 2004)



March 29, 2004

Judge Greer denies a motion filed by the Schindlers seeking to have Michael Schiavo defend himself in a hearing; they allege that he is violating a 1996 court order that requires him to share a sufficient amount of Terri Schiavo’s medical information. Michael Schiavo claims that he has shared an adequate amount of information through attorneys.



April 16, 2004
S692 is withdrawn from consideration in the Florida Legislature.
S692 History



April 23, 2004
The 2nd DCA rules that the Pinellas County trial court has jurisdiction to hear and is the proper venue for the case Michael Schiavo has filed against Governor Bush asserting that "Terri's Law" is unconstitutional.

2nd DCA Jurisdictional ruling



May 6, 2004

Pinellas Circuit Judge W. Douglas Baird rules that "Terri's Law," sought and signed by Gov. Bush and approved by the Legislature on October 21, 2003, is unconstitutional. The governor appeals the ruling.

Judge Baird's order




June 1, 2004

The 2nd DCA grants a motion from attorneys for Michael Schiavo to send the case directly to the Florida
Supreme Court and bypass a lower-court review. Meanwhile, attorneys for Gov. Bush file a motion asking that all appeals be halted until the issue of whether Michael Schiavo has the authority to fight the governor on his wife's behalf is resolved.

Tallahassee Democrat report




June 16, 2004

Florida's Supreme Court, pointing to "a question of great public importance requiring immediate resolution by this Court," accepts jurisdiction and sets oral arguments for August 31, 2004.

Florida Supreme Court order





June 30, 2004

2nd DCA affirms Judge Baird's March 12 ruling denying the Schindlers the ability to intervene in the lawsuit over the constitutionality of "Terri's Law."



July 19, 2004
The Schindlers file a motion in the Circuit Court for Pinellas County seeking relief from judgment in Schindler v. Schiavo. Based in part upon the recent statement by Pope John Paul II, they argue that the orders mandating withdrawal of the PEG tube from Terri and authorizing Michael to challenge the constitutionality of "Terri's Law" violate her "free exercise of her religious beliefs [and] her right to enjoy and defend her own life and, in fact, imperil her immortal soul."
Relief from judgment motion
Appendix to motion (seven exhibits)



July 27, 2004

National group of bioethicists files amicus brief "in support of Michael Schiavo as guardian of the person."

Bioethicists' amicus brief



August 31, 2004

The Florida Supreme Court hears oral arguments in the lawsuit over the
constitutionality of "Terri's Law."

Streaming video of the proceedings, archived by WFSU at Florida State University

Transcript

St. Petersburg Times report



August 31, 2004
Circuit Judge George Greer, opposed for re-election by an attorney who was known to oppose Greer's rulings in the Schiavo case, is re-elected by a large margin.

St. Petersburg Times report



September 23, 2004

Florida's Supreme Court, unanimously affirming the trial court order, declares "Terri's Law" unconstitutional.
Supreme Court ruling



October 4, 2004

Governor Bush files a motion and then an amended motion for rehearing and clarification of the Florida Supreme Court opinion issued on September 23, 2004

Amended motion for rehearing and clarification



October 21, 2004
Florida Supreme Court denies Governor Bush's amended motion for rehearing and clarification, as well as a motion seeking permission to file a second amended motion for rehearing and clarification. The Court issues a mandate.

Order



October 22, 2004

In Pinellas County, at the trial-court level, Judge Greer denies the motion filed by the Schindlers on July 19, 2004. He also stays the removal of her PEG tube until December 6, 2004.
Order Denying Motion
Order Granting Stay



October 25, 2004
Governor Bush files a motion with the Florida Supreme Court asking that it recall the mandate it issued on October 22 because he will be filing a petition for certiorari regarding this case with the United States Supreme Court.
Motion to Recall Mandate

Appendix to Motion



October 27, 2004
Florida Supreme Court grants Governor Bush's motion asking that it recall the mandate issued on October 22. Proceedings in the trial and all appellate courts in the case of Bush v. Schiavo are stayed until November 29, 2004.

Order Recalling Mandate



November 22, 2004

In the guardianship proceeding in Pinellas County, the Schindlers appeal from Judge Greer’s October 22 order denying their motion for relief from judgment.
Brief Seeking Review



December 3, 2004
Governor Bush files a petition for certiorari, seeking review of the Florida Supreme Court’s decision regarding Terri’s law, with the U.S. Supreme Court.
U.S. Supreme Court Docket
Petition for Writ of Certiorari


December 29, 2004
2nd DCA, without opinion, denies the Schindlers' November 22 appeal from Judge Greer's order refusing to reopen the guardianship proceeding.



January 10, 2005
The Schindlers again ask Judge Greer to remove Michael Schiavo from his judicial appointed post of Terri’s guardian.

January 13, 2005
The Schindlers file two motions – one in the 2d DCA, asking it to reconsider its decision of December 29, 2004, and a second in the trial court guardianship proceeding, asking Judge Greer once again to prevent withdrawal of nutrition and hydration until the 2d DCA does so.

January 24, 2005
The United States Supreme Court refused to grant review of the case in which the Florida Supreme Court struck down “Terri’s Law” as unconstitutional.

February 7, 2005
Florida's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services cites the Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation for failing to register with the state to solicit donations.

February 11, 2005
In Pinellas County, Judge Greer denies the Schindlers' motions, filed January 10 and 13, 2005. The order authorizing withdrawal of the PEG tube remains in effect, although implementation is stayed pending the outcome of currently pending appeals.

February 15, 2005
The Schindlers ask the 2nd DCA to stay the mandate issued when it refused to hear their most recent appeal.

February 16, 2005
Randall Terry, founder of the pro-life activist organization Operation Rescue, appears with the Schindlers at a news conference, vowing protest vigils against removal of the PEG tube.

February 18, 2005
The Schindlers again petition Judge Greer in Pinellas County for reconsideration of the order of February 11, 2005, in which the court upheld its judgment, made in the year 2000, that the PEG tube should be removed.

February 18, 2005
Florida Representatives Baxley Brown; Cannon; Davis, D.; Flores; Goldstein; Lopez-Cantera; Murzin; Quinones; Traviesa introduced H 701 in the Florida Legislature. H 701, mirroring S. 692 (introduced in October 2003 and withdrawn in April 2004), would require maintenance of medically supplied nutrition and hydration in incapacitated persons in most instances.
H.701

February 21, 2005
The 2d DCA denies the Schindlers’ motion of February 15, 2005, clearing the way for removal of the PEG tube when the current stay expires on February 22, 2005. Judge Greer schedules a hearing on the Schindlers’ motion of February 18, 2005, for February 23, 2005.

February 22, 2005
Judge Greer stays removal of the PEG tube until 5 p.m. on February 23, 2005 (after he hears argument on the motion filed by the Schindlers on February 18, 2005).

February 23, 2005
After a hearing, Judge Greer extends the stay preventing removal of the PEG tube until 5 p.m. on February 25, 2005, to permit time to issue an order detailing his decisions regarding matters discussed at the hearing. Officials from Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) move to intervene in the case, but Judge Greer denies the motion to intervene at the hearing.

February 25, 2005
Judge Greer denies the motion before him and orders that, “absent a stay from the appellate courts, the guardian, Michael Schiavo, shall cause the removal of nutrition and hydration from the ward, Theresa Schiavo, at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 18, 2005.”
Order Denying Stay

February 26, 2005
The St. Petersburg Times reports that a Vatican cardinal spoke on Vatican Radio opposing removal of the PEG tube.
St. Petersburg Times article

February 28, 2005
The Schindlers file a number of motions with Judge Greer, addressing a range of issues. They also indicate that they will appeal the judge's decision of February 25, 2005. Judge Greer denies some of the motions but agreed to set a hearing date to consider others.
St. Petersburg Times article

March 7, 2005
The Schindlers appeal Judge Greer's February 25, 2005 order to the 2nd DCA.
Bioethicists from six Florida universities submit an analysis of H701.
Bioethicists' analysis

March 8, 2005
U.S. Rep. David Weldon (R.-Fla.) introduces in the United States House of Representatives H.R. 1151, titled the Incapactitated Persons' Legal Protection Act. The bill would permit a federal court to review the Schiavo matter through a habeas corpus lawsuit.
H.R. 1151

March 9, 2005
The Florida House Health Care Regulation Committee considers H.701, voting to approve a Council/Committee Substitute 701 instead of the original version.
Council/Committee Substitute 701

March 10, 2005
Judge Greer issues order denying Florida's Department of Children and Families the right to intervene in the guardianship case.


March 14, 2005
The Judiciary Committee in the Florida House considers H.701, voting to approve another Committee substitute for the original bill. The Sun-Sentinel reports that the House and the Senate have agreed that this bill will come to a vote.
Second Committee Substitute 701

March 15, 2005
The Florida House Health & Families Council considers and approves the second committee substitute H.701.

The Florida Senate Judiciary Committee passes S.804, providing that medically supplied nutrition and hydration cannot be “suspended from” a person in a PVS if: (1) the purpose of the suspension is “solely to end the life of” a person in a PVS; (2) a conflict exists on the issue of suspension of medically supplied nutrition and hydration among the persons who could be proxy decisionmakers for that person under Florida law; and (3) the person in the PVS had not executed a written advance directive or designated a health care surrogate.
Senate Bill 804

March 16, 2005
The 2d DCA affirms Judge Greer’s orders and refuses to stay the scheduled March 18 withdrawal of the PEG tube.
2d DCA Opinion

The U.S. House of Representatives, by voice vote, passes H.R. 1332, the Protection of Incapacitated Persons Act of 2005. This bill would amend federal law to provide for removal of certain cases to federal court from state court, rather than authorizing use of the federal habeas corpus remedy to obtain federal court review, as H.R. 1151 would have.
H.R. 1332


March 17, 2005
The Florida House of Representatives approves H.701, after some amendments.
House-Engrossed H.701

The Florida Senate votes down S.804.

Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) petitions the Florida Supreme Court for relief, and the Florida Supreme Court denies the petition.
DCF All Writs Petition
Florida Supreme Court order

The U.S. Senate passes a “private bill” applying to the Schiavo case but differing from H.R. 1332. The U.S. Senate website, at www.senate.gov, explains a “private bill” as follows: “A private bill provides benefits to specified individuals (including corporate bodies). Individuals sometimes request relief through private legislation when administrative or legal remedies are exhausted. Many private bills deal with immigration–granting citizenship or permanent residency. Private bills may also be introduced for individuals who have claims again the government, veterans benefits claims, claims for military decorations, or taxation problems. The title of a private bill usually begins with the phrase, "For the relief of. . . ." If a private bill is passed in identical form by both houses of Congress and is signed by the President, it becomes a private law.”
U.S. Senate Bill 653 ES
Orlando Sentinel article

The Schindlers ask the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case, but the U.S. Supreme Court denies their petition.
Schindlers’ Petition to U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Supreme Court Denial

March 18, 2005
The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Government Reform issues five subpoenas: one commanding Michael Schiavo to appear before it and bring with him the “hydration and nutrition equipment” in working order; three commanding physicians and other personnel at the hospice to do the same; and one commanding Terri Schiavo to appear before it. The subpoenas would require that the PEG tube remain in working order until at least the date of testimony, March 25, 2005. The subpoenas are included as appendices to the U.S. House All Writs Petition (see just below).

The Committee on Government Reform also moves to intervene in the guardianship litigation before Judge Greer and asks Judge Greer to stay his order requiring removal of the PEG tube. Judge Greer denies the motions.
U.S. House Motion to Intervene
U.S. House Motion for Stay



The Committee on Government Reform files an emergency all-writs petition with the Florida Supreme Court, effectively seeking reversal of Judge Greer’s denial of its motions. The Florida Supreme Court denies this petition.
U.S. House All Writs Petition

The PEG tube is removed in mid-afternoon. This is the third time the tube has been removed in accordance with court orders.

The Schindlers, as “next friends” of their daughter, file a petition for writ of habeas corpus in federal district court in the Middle District of Florida. That court dismisses the case for lack of jurisdiction and refuses to issue a temporary restraining order because “there is not a substantial likelihood that [the Schindlers] will prevail on their federal constitutional claims.”
Schindlers' Habeas Corpus Petition
 


exactly - a power struggle!! I am so SICK of all of this!! I sick of being manipulated by the media... who cares what 'star' think, or feel?

Every day, people in this country agonize over this descion. Every day children die of starvation... every day horrific things happen. no media, no fuss, no problem...

AND AND why does the media keep showing the OLD video? Today I saw a recent video of Terry, where they tried to get her to react, nothing. I think that is why the judicial system has made the descions they have, they have more information, basing it less on EMOTIONS!!

For me, stay out of it!! I'm trying to make sure the kids of this school district are safe from bullying! Have you seen what happens in a jr high locker room? gym class? please lets move on...

I am so tired of our country being divided, red states, blue states, death penalty, life...
 
Oh,and here is Terri brain scan..The huge dark sections are places where here brain tissue has atrophied and is now filled with spinal
fluidhttp://www.miami.edu/ethics2/schiavo/CT%20s
 
It is a sad situation.

I had a patient once a LONGGGGG time ago, as a new nurse, who had a feeding tube removed. Actually, the tube may not have been removed but her feedings were discontinued. I wish that I could remember the details better but it was decided by her responsible party to end the feedings. She was an elderly woman who as I recall had suffered multiple strokes and was completely dependent, contracted, aphasic (unable to speak), could follow no commands, etc.

I believe that the Schiavo case should be a personal issue. If any court battles are going on it should be limited to those that determine who will have the decision making ability in her case. The hubby, the parents or someone else, and then the instructions of that party should be the ones that are followed.

Also, if you are feeling bad about Terri going without feedings and dying, go visit a long term care facility where there is a person that lives like she does and has for the past 15 years. Imagine yourself in her place. It may change your mind. She is contracted and atrophied.

I am sure that the hospice will keep a good look out for signs of pain or discomfort and give her some morphine to relax her and provide other comfort measures as well.

I haven't completely decided how I feel about it yet, but those are some of my thoughts anyway. Prayers for Terri and all of those involved.
 


Lisa loves Pooh said:
Jenny--you get reward for the LOOOOOONGGGGEST post ever!
;)
I didn't realize it was going to be that long... It sort of spread out when I posted it
,I'm sorry..
I'll go sit on the naughty mat
 
The whole thing is just awful. I do wonder what the old, healthy Terri Schiavo would think about all this footage of her as a vegetable? I would guess she would find it humiliating.

Whatever happens, I wish they would just stop making a spectacle of the poor woman. :sad2:
 
She is a complete vegtable and I wish her so called "parents and family" would stop using her like this. She can't feel or think and her brain is virtually liquafied. She would not want to "live" like this and be paraded around like they have. And the only thing they have on her hubby is that he moved on with his life while still trying to carry out her last wishes and if she DIDN'T say it then he is doing what is right for her. I told my hubby under no uncertain terms would I want to be like that and under no uncertain terms would I want him pinning for me next to my bed as I am a vegitable for 15 years. To think he should is the most stupidest thing I have ever heard of I mean really!!!!!! I love my husband therefore if there is no way I could ever even use my brain I would want him to be happy. That is what love is....

She will never get better and never be able to think or feel or even BE. Poor woman
 
JennyMominRI said:
It's in court documents that she said it to her brother and couple friends.
This is the best synopsis of the case from the court appointed GAL.. This is his report to the court..It contains only things that have been proved in court
Terri can't speak..She never could.

http://jb-williams.com/ts-report-12-03.htm


This site has MANY court documents

http://www.miami.edu/ethics/schiavo/timeline.htmKEY EVENTS IN THE CASE OF THERESA MARIE SCHIAVO



Kathy Cerminara, Nova Southeastern University, Shepard Broad Law Center
Kenneth Goodman, University of Miami Ethics Programs
With thanks to Steven Haidar, Dartmouth College
This content may be reproduced for non-commercial, education purposes only, with appropriate attribution to the source. (For more information, read our copyright policy.) Please send comments, suggestions and corrections to Ken Goodman, UM Ethics Programs, at ethics@miami.edu. News media and others seeking comment from Florida Bioethics Network leaders should call 305-243-5723.


Timeline

December 3, 1963
Theresa (Terri) Marie Schiavo is born.

Novermber 1984
Terri and Michael Schiavo are married.

February 25, 1990
Terri Schiavo suffers cardiac arrest, apparently caused by a potassium imbalance and leading to brain damage due to lack of oxygen. She was taken to the Humana Northside Hospital and was later given a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) to provide nutrition and hydration.


May 12, 1990

Terri Schiavo is discharged from the hospital and taken to the College Park skilled care and rehabilitation facility.

June 18, 1990
Court appoints Michael Schiavo as guardian; Terri Schiavo’s parents do not object.

June 30, 1990
Terri Schiavo is transferred to Bayfront Hospital for further rehabilitation efforts.

September 1990
Terri Schiavo’s family brings her home, but three weeks later they return her to the College Park facility because the family is “overwhelmed by Terri’s care needs.”

November 1990
Michael Schiavo takes Terri Schiavo to California for experimental “brain stimulator” treatment, an experimental “thalamic stimulator implant” in her brain.
January 1991

The Schiavos return to Florida; Terri Schiavo is moved to the Mediplex Rehabilitation Center in Brandon where she receives 24-hour care.

July 19, 1991
Terri Schiavo is transferred to Sable Palms skilled care facility where she receives continuing neurological testing, and regular and aggressive speech/occupational therapy through 1994.

May 1992
Terri Schiavo’s parents, Robert and Mary Schindler, and Michael Schiavo stop living together.

August 1992

Terri Schiavo is awarded $250,000 in an out-of-court medical malpractice settlement with one of her physicians.

November 1992

The jury in the medical malpractice trial against another of Terri’s physicians awards more than one million dollars. In the end, after attorneys’ fees and other expenses, Michael Schiavo received about $300,000 and about $750,000 was put in a trust fund specifically for Terri Schiavo’s medical care.

February 14, 1993

Michael Schiavo and the Schindlers have a falling-out over the course of therapy for Terri Schiavo; Michael Schiavo claims that the Schindlers demand that he share the malpractice money with them.

July 29, 1993

Schindlers attempt to remove Michael Schiavo as Terri Schiavo’s guardian; the court later dismisses the suit.


March 1, 1994

First guardian ad litem, John H. Pecarek, submits his report. He states that Michael Schiavo has acted appropriately and attentively toward Terri Schiavo.

May 1998

Michael Schiavo petitions the court to authorize the removal of Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube; the Schindlers oppose, saying that Terri would want to remain alive. The court appoints Richard Pearse, Esq., to serve as the second guardian ad litem for Terri Schiavo.

December 20, 1998
The second guardian ad litem, Richard Pearse, Esq., issues his report in which he concluding that Terri Schiavo is in a persistent vegetative state with no chance of improvement and that Michael Schiavo’s decision-making may be influenced by the potential to inherit the remainder of Terri Schiavo’s estate.

January 24, 2000
The trial begins; Pinellas-Pasco County Circuit Court Judge George Greer presides.

Testimony of Father Gerard Murphy

February 11, 2000

Judge Greer rules that Terri Schiavo would have chosen to have the PEG tube removed, and therefore he orders it removed, which, according to doctors, will cause her death in approximately 7 to 14 days.



March 2, 2000

The Schindlers file a petition with Judge Greer to allow “swallowing” tests to be performed on Terri Schiavo to determine if she can consume—or learn to consume—nutrients on her own.



March 7, 2000

Judge Greer denies the Schindlers’ petition to perform “swallowing” tests on Terri Schiavo.





March 24, 2000

Judge Greer grants Michael Schiavo’s petition to limit visitation to Terri Schiavo as well as to bar pictures. Judge Greer also stays his order until 30 days beyond the final exhaustion of all appeals by the Schindlers.

3-24-00 Greer Stay and Order Limiting Visitation



January 24, 2001

Florida’s Second District Court of Appeal (2nd DCA) upholds Judge Greer’s ruling that permits the removal of Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube.

In re Schiavo, 780 So. 2d 176 (2nd DCA 2001), rehearing denied (Feb. 22, 2001), review denied, 789 So. 2d 348 (Fla. 2001). (Case No.: SC01-559)

1-24-01 DCA Ruling



February 22, 2001

The Schindler family’s motion for an Appellate Court rehearing is denied.



March 12, 2001

Michael Schiavo petitions Judge Greer to lift his stay, issued March 24, 2000, in order to permit the removal of Terri Shiavo’s PEG tube.



March 29, 2001

Judge Greer denies Michael Schiavo’s motion to lift stay issued on March 24, 2000; Michael Schiavo can remove Terri’s PEG tube at 1 p.m. on April 20.

3-29-01 Greer Order



April 10, 2001

The 2nd DCA denies the Schindlers’ motion to extend Judge Greer’s stay, which is scheduled to expire April 20, 2001.

4-10-01 DCA Order



April 12, 2001

The Schindlers file a motion requesting that Judge Greer recuse himself.



April 12, 2001

The Schindlers petition the Florida Supreme Court to stay the removal of Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube.

4-12-01 Motion for Stay Part 1

4-12-01 Motion for Stay Part 2

4-12-01 Court’s Request for Response from Schiavo



April 16, 2001
Judge Greer denies the Schindlers’ motion to recuse himself.



April 18, 2001

The Florida Supreme Court chooses not to review the decision of the 2nd DCA.

In re Schiavo, 789 So. 2d 248 (Fla. 2001). Case No.: SC01-559

3-22-01 Schindler family’s Notice to Appeal to Supreme Court

3-30-01 Schindlers’ Jurisdictional Brief Part 1

3-30-01 Schindlers’ Jurisdictional Brief Part 2

4-18-01 Order Denying Rehearing and Motion for Stay



April 20, 2001

Federal District Court Judge Richard Lazzara grants the Schindlers a stay until April 23, 2001, to exhaust all their possible appeals.



April 23, 2001

Justice Anthony M. Kennedy of the United States Supreme Court refuses to stay the case for a review by that Court.



April 24, 2001

By order of trial court Judge Greer, and upon issuance of a 2nd DCA mandate, Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube is removed



April 26, 2001

The Schindlers file an emergency motion with Judge Greer for relief from judgment based upon new evidence, which includes a claim that a former girlfriend of Michael Schiavo will testify that he lied about Terri Schiavo’s wishes; Judge Greer dismisses the motion as untimely. Also on this date, the Schindlers file a new civil suit that claims that Michael Schiavo perjured himself when he testified that Terri Schiavo had stated an aversion to remaining on life support. Pending this new civil trial, Circuit Court Judge Frank Quesada orders Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube to be reinserted.



April 30, 2001

Michael Schiavo files an emergency motion with the 2nd DCA to allow the removal of Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube.



May 9, 2001

The 2nd DCA announces a date for the hearing of oral arguments regarding Michael Schiavo’s motion of April 30, 2001.



June 25, 2001

Arguments in 2nd DCA regarding Michael Schiavo’s motion of April 30, 2001.



July 11, 2001

The 2nd DCA remands the case back to Judge Greer. (1) The 2nd DCA informs the Schindlers that they must address both their desire to have new evidence heard and their perjury claim against Michael Schiavo within the original guardianship proceeding; further, the Schindlers are instructed to file a new motion for relief from judgment in the guardianship proceeding. (2) The 2nd DCA instructs Judge Greer to weigh the Schinders’ new evidence in making a new determination of what Terri Schiavo would have wanted. (3) The 2nd DCA denies Michael Schiavo’s request to discontinue the PEG tube.

In re Schiavo, 792 So. 2d 551 (2nd DCA 2001).

7-11-01 DCA Order



August 7, 2001

After the 2nd DCA remands the case back to Judge Greer, he again finds that Michael Schiavo may remove Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube on August 28.



August 10, 2001

Judge Greer denies the Schindlers' motion (1) to have their own doctors examine Terri Schiavo, (2) to remove Michael Schiavo as her guardian, and (3) to disqualify himself from the proceedings.



August 17, 2001
Judge Greer delays the removal of Terri Schiavo's PEG tube until October 9 in order to allow the Schindlers time to appeal.



October 3, 2001
The 2nd DCA delays the removal of the PEG tube indefinitely.



October 17, 2001

The 2nd DCA rules that 5 doctors should examine Terri Schiavo to determine if she can improve with new medical treatment. The Schindlers and Michael Schiavo are to choose 2 doctors each, and the court is to appoint a doctor. The appeals court also affirms Greer’s denial of the motion to disqualify himself.

In re Schiavo, 800 So. 2d 640 (2nd DCA 2001).

10-17-01 DCA ruling



November 1, 2001

The 2nd DCA denies Michael Schiavo’s motion to rehear the case.



December 14, 2001

Michael Schiavo petitions the Florida Supreme Court to stay the October 17, 2001 ruling of the 2nd DCA. He states that he and the Schindlers will attempt to mediate the dispute in lieu of further litigation.

12-05-01 Michael Schiavo’s Notice of Appeal to the Florida Supreme Court

12-14-01 Michael Schiavo’s Motion to Stay DCA’s Ruling.



December 19, 2001

Attorneys meet with a mediator to determine which tests doctors should run on Terri Schiavo.



January 10, 2002

State Supreme Court stays all legal proceedings pending mediation; it orders attorneys to report on the status of mediation in sixty days.

1-10-02 SC Order of Stay



February 13, 2002

Mediation between the Schindlers and Michael Schiavo fails.

2-13-02 Notice that Mediation failed



March 14, 2002

The Florida Supreme Court denies Michael Schiavo’s petition to review the 2nd DCA’s ruling allowing 5 doctors to examine Terri Schiavo.

In re Schiavo, 816 So. 2d 127 (Fla. 2002) (Table, No. SC01-2678)

2-13-02 Michael Schiavo’s Jurisdictional Petition

2-13-02 Michael Schiavo’s Petition to Stay ruling of 2nd DCA (10/17/01).

2-22-02 Court’s Order of Stay pending its final decision

3-01-02 Schindler’s Jurisdictional Brief

3-13-01 Michael Schiavo’s Motion to Strike

3-14-01 Order Denying Schiavo’s Petition

3-14-01 Order to Strike



October 12-22, 2002

The trial court holds a new hearing on new potential medical treatments.



November 15, 2002

The Schindlers contend that Michael Schiavo might have abused Terri Schiavo and this abuse led to her condition. They ask the court for more time to collect evidence, and to remove Michael Schiavo as guardian.

11-15-02 Petition to remove MS as guardian



November 22, 2002

Judge Greer rules that Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube should be removed January 3, 2003.

In re Schiavo, 2002 WL 31817960 (Fla. Cir. Ct. Nov. 22, 2002) (No. 90-2908-GB-003)

Nov22 2002 TC trialctorder11-02.txt



December 13, 2002

Judge Greer stays his November 22 ruling: Terri Schiavo should not have her PEG tube removed until an appeals court can rule on the case.



December 23, 2002

The 2nd DCA denies a motion Michael Schiavo filed seeking permission to remove the PEG tube.



June 6, 2003

The 2nd DCA, affirming Judge Greer’s November 2002 ruling, concludes that Michael Schiavo can remove Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube on October 15.

In re Schiavo, 851 So. 2d 182 (2nd DCA 2003) (No. 2D02-5394), rehearing denied (July 9, 2003), review denied 855 So. 2d 621 (Fla. 2003).

6-06-03 Court Opinion





July 9, 2003

The 2nd DCA refuses to reconsider its decision.



August 22, 2003

The Florida Supreme Court declines to review the decision.

Schindler v. Schiavo, 855 So. 2d 621 (Fla. 2003) (Table, No. SC03-1242)

7-24-03 Notice of Schindlers' Appeal

7-31-03 Michael Schiavo’s Motion to Vacate

Court Order denying Motion to Vacate

8-07-03 Schindler's Petition for a Supreme Court Review

8-13-03 Michael Shiavo’s Response to Petition for Review

8-18-03 Schindlers motion for a Stay

8-19-03 Court Orders Schiavo to make a Respond for the Motion for Stay

8-20-03 Shiavo’s Response to Motion for Stay

8-22-03 Court Order denying Review and Motion for Stay



August 30, 2003

Terri Schiavo’s parents file a federal lawsuit challenging the removal of Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube. Schiavos’ petition (D). Schindler v. Schiavo, Civil Action No. 8:03-CV-1860-T-26-T-TGW



September 17, 2003

Judge Greer orders the removal of the PEG tube to take place on October 15, 2003. He also rejects the Schindlers’ request that Terri Schiavo be given therapy to learn how to eat without the tube.

9-17-03 Court Order



October 7, 2003

Governor Jeb Bush files a federal court brief in support of the Schindlers’ effort to stop the removal of the PEG tube.



October 10, 2003

Federal Court Judge Richard Lazzara rules that he lacks the jurisdiction to hear the federal case.



October 14, 2003

The 2nd DCA refuses to block Judge Greer’s order to remove the PEG tube.



October 15, 2003

Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube is once again removed.



October 17, 2003

The Florida Circuit Court in Pinellas County and the First District Court of Appeal refuse to grant a request made by the “supporters” of the Schindlers to direct Governor Jeb Bush to intervene in the Schiavo case.



October 19, 2003

The Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, Inc. files a federal court lawsuit that claims that the removal of Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube is abuse and neglect.

Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, Inc. v. Schiavo, No. 8:03-CV-2167-T-23EAJ



October 20, 2003

The Florida House of Representatives passes a bill, “Terri’s Law,” that allows the governor to issue a “one-time stay in certain cases.”

HouseBill35-E.pdf



October 21, 2003

The Florida Senate passes the bill; Governor Bush issues an executive order directing reinsertion of the PEG tube and appointing a guardian ad litem for Terri Schiavo.

Schiavo Controversy Fla_ Gov_ Exec_ Order No_ 03-201.htm

Statements by some House members



October 21, 2003

Michael Schiavo files a state-court lawsuit arguing that “Terri’s Law” is unconstitutional and seeking an injunction to stop the reinsertion of the PEG tube; the court requests briefs on the Constitutional arguments about “Terri’s Law.”

10-21-03 Schiavo Injunction

Amicus Brief from House Speaker Byrd (B)
Schiavo v. Bush. No. 03-008212-CI-20 (Cir. Ct. Pinellas County, Florida).


October 21, 2003

The federal court denies the motion for a temporary restraining order filed in the lawsuit of the Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, Inc.

Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities, Inc. v. Schiavo, 2003 WL 23305833, 17 Fla. L. Weekly Fed. D 291 (M.D. Fla. Oct. 21, 2003).

10-21-03 US District Court Order



October 21, 2003

Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube is reinserted.



October 22 2003

David Demeres, Chief Judge for the Pinellas County Circuit Court, orders both the Schindlers and Michael Schiavo to agree within 5 days on an independent guardian ad litem as required under the Governor’s order. (“Terri’s Law” directs: “Upon issuance of the stay, the chief judge of the circuit court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for the patient to make recommendations to the Governor and the court.”)

Schiavo's Response

Schindlers' Response



October 28, 2003

President George W. Bush praises the way his brother, Governor Jeb Bush, has handled the Schiavo matter.

Transcript of Rose Garden Press Conference



October 29, 2003

Michael Schiavo files court papers in his state-court lawsuit, arguing that “Terri’s Law” is unconstitutional. The American Civil Liberties Union has joined Michael Schiavo.

Michael Schiavo petitioner brief



October 31, 2003

Judge Demers appoints Dr. Jay Wolfson as Terri Schiavo’s guardian ad litem. Dr. Wolfson holds both medical and legal degrees; he is also a public health professor at the University of South Florida. He is supposed to represent Terri Schiavo’s best interest in court, but he has no authority to make decisions for her.

10-31-03 GAL Appointment



November 4, 2003

Governor Jeb Bush asks Circuit Court Judge W. Douglas Baird to dismiss Michael Schiavo’s suit (filed October 21, 2003) that challenges “Terri’s Law.”



November 8, 2003

Judge Baird denies Governor Bush’s motion to dismiss the state-court suit.



November 10, 2003

Governor Bush appeals Judge Baird’s decision; the filing of the appeal has the effect of staying the removal of Terri Schiavo’s PEG tube.



November 14, 2003

Judge Baird vacates the stay.

11-14-03 Order vacating stay.



November 14, 2003

In response to Judge Baird’s lifting the stay, the 2nd DCA issues an indefinite stay.



November 19, 2003

Governor Bush files a petition to remove Judge Baird.

11-19-03 Petition



November 21, 2003

Florida Sens. Stephen Wise and Jim Sebesta introduce legislation (S692) that would require persons in persistent vegetative states to be administered medically supplied nutrition and hydration in the absence of a living will, regardless of family beliefs about what those patients would have wanted. The measure is withdrawn from consideration on April 16, 2004.

Bill to require sustenence when no living will exists





December 1, 2003

Jay Wolfson, guardian ad litem, concludes in his report that Terri Schiavo is in a persistent vegetative state with no chance of improvement.

Wolfson's Report

Governor Bush's response to Wolfson's report



December 10, 2003

The 2nd DCA refuses to remove Judge Baird, who is the presiding judge in the state-court lawsuit filed October 21, 2003.

Bush v. Schiavo, 861 So. 2d 506 (2nd DCA 2003) (No. 2D03-5244)

12-10-03 Court Opinion



January 5, 2004

The Schindler family petitions the Pinellas County Circuit Court to reappoint Jay Wolfson, the guardian ad litem.

1-05-04 Schindlers petition to reappoint GAL



January 8, 2004

Judge Demers rejects the request to reappoint the guardian ad litem, citing the pending court decisions over the constitutionality of “Terri’s Law” as reason to wait on any action.

1-08-04 Order denying reinstatement of GAL





February 13, 2004

The 2nd DCA reverses Judge Baird’s ruling (in the case filed October 21, 2003) that denied the Schindlers permission to intervene in Michael Schiavo’s Constitutional challenge to “Terri’s Law.” The 2nd DCA explains that Judge Baird did not follow proper procedure. The court also gives permission to Governor Bush to question several witnesses who Judge Baird previously had ruled could not offer any relevant testimony.

Bush v. Schiavo, 866 So. 2d 140 (Fla. 2nd DCA 2004) (on intervention); 866 So. 2d 136 (2nd DCA 2004) (on request to take depositions). (Case No. 2D03-5783).

bushschiavo2 13 04 opn.pdf

2-13-04 Opinion allowing parents to intervene



March 12, 2004

Judge Baird again rejects the Schindlers’ request to intervene in Michael Schiavo’s suit that questions the constitutionality of “Terri’s Law.”



March 20, 2004
Pope John Paul II addresses World Federation of Catholic Medical Associations and Pontifical Academy for Life Congress on "Life-Sustaining Treatments and Vegetative State: Scientific Advances and Ethical Dilemmas." His remarks spark widespread interest and controversy.
Pope's address



March 29, 2004

Nursing home workers discover 4 “fresh puncture wounds” on one arm and a fifth wound on the other arm; the workers state that a hypodermic needle appears to have caused the wounds. Attendants discovered the wounds shortly after the Schindlers visited Terri Schiavo for 45 minutes. Toxicology reports indicate that no substance was injected into Terri Schiavo. Clearwater police later conclude that the marks might have been made by a device used to move Ms. Schiavo and, in any case, that no evidence of abuse or other wrongdoing could be found.
St. Petersburg Times report (May 15, 2004)



March 29, 2004

Judge Greer denies a motion filed by the Schindlers seeking to have Michael Schiavo defend himself in a hearing; they allege that he is violating a 1996 court order that requires him to share a sufficient amount of Terri Schiavo’s medical information. Michael Schiavo claims that he has shared an adequate amount of information through attorneys.



April 16, 2004
S692 is withdrawn from consideration in the Florida Legislature.
S692 History



April 23, 2004
The 2nd DCA rules that the Pinellas County trial court has jurisdiction to hear and is the proper venue for the case Michael Schiavo has filed against Governor Bush asserting that "Terri's Law" is unconstitutional.

2nd DCA Jurisdictional ruling



May 6, 2004

Pinellas Circuit Judge W. Douglas Baird rules that "Terri's Law," sought and signed by Gov. Bush and approved by the Legislature on October 21, 2003, is unconstitutional. The governor appeals the ruling.

Judge Baird's order




June 1, 2004

The 2nd DCA grants a motion from attorneys for Michael Schiavo to send the case directly to the Florida
Supreme Court and bypass a lower-court review. Meanwhile, attorneys for Gov. Bush file a motion asking that all appeals be halted until the issue of whether Michael Schiavo has the authority to fight the governor on his wife's behalf is resolved.

Tallahassee Democrat report




June 16, 2004

Florida's Supreme Court, pointing to "a question of great public importance requiring immediate resolution by this Court," accepts jurisdiction and sets oral arguments for August 31, 2004.

Florida Supreme Court order





June 30, 2004

2nd DCA affirms Judge Baird's March 12 ruling denying the Schindlers the ability to intervene in the lawsuit over the constitutionality of "Terri's Law."



July 19, 2004
The Schindlers file a motion in the Circuit Court for Pinellas County seeking relief from judgment in Schindler v. Schiavo. Based in part upon the recent statement by Pope John Paul II, they argue that the orders mandating withdrawal of the PEG tube from Terri and authorizing Michael to challenge the constitutionality of "Terri's Law" violate her "free exercise of her religious beliefs [and] her right to enjoy and defend her own life and, in fact, imperil her immortal soul."
Relief from judgment motion
Appendix to motion (seven exhibits)



July 27, 2004

National group of bioethicists files amicus brief "in support of Michael Schiavo as guardian of the person."

Bioethicists' amicus brief



August 31, 2004

The Florida Supreme Court hears oral arguments in the lawsuit over the
constitutionality of "Terri's Law."

Streaming video of the proceedings, archived by WFSU at Florida State University

Transcript

St. Petersburg Times report



August 31, 2004
Circuit Judge George Greer, opposed for re-election by an attorney who was known to oppose Greer's rulings in the Schiavo case, is re-elected by a large margin.

St. Petersburg Times report



September 23, 2004

Florida's Supreme Court, unanimously affirming the trial court order, declares "Terri's Law" unconstitutional.
Supreme Court ruling



October 4, 2004

Governor Bush files a motion and then an amended motion for rehearing and clarification of the Florida Supreme Court opinion issued on September 23, 2004

Amended motion for rehearing and clarification



October 21, 2004
Florida Supreme Court denies Governor Bush's amended motion for rehearing and clarification, as well as a motion seeking permission to file a second amended motion for rehearing and clarification. The Court issues a mandate.

Order



October 22, 2004

In Pinellas County, at the trial-court level, Judge Greer denies the motion filed by the Schindlers on July 19, 2004. He also stays the removal of her PEG tube until December 6, 2004.
Order Denying Motion
Order Granting Stay



October 25, 2004
Governor Bush files a motion with the Florida Supreme Court asking that it recall the mandate it issued on October 22 because he will be filing a petition for certiorari regarding this case with the United States Supreme Court.
Motion to Recall Mandate

Appendix to Motion



October 27, 2004
Florida Supreme Court grants Governor Bush's motion asking that it recall the mandate issued on October 22. Proceedings in the trial and all appellate courts in the case of Bush v. Schiavo are stayed until November 29, 2004.

Order Recalling Mandate



November 22, 2004

In the guardianship proceeding in Pinellas County, the Schindlers appeal from Judge Greer’s October 22 order denying their motion for relief from judgment.
Brief Seeking Review



December 3, 2004
Governor Bush files a petition for certiorari, seeking review of the Florida Supreme Court’s decision regarding Terri’s law, with the U.S. Supreme Court.
U.S. Supreme Court Docket
Petition for Writ of Certiorari


December 29, 2004
2nd DCA, without opinion, denies the Schindlers' November 22 appeal from Judge Greer's order refusing to reopen the guardianship proceeding.



January 10, 2005
The Schindlers again ask Judge Greer to remove Michael Schiavo from his judicial appointed post of Terri’s guardian.

January 13, 2005
The Schindlers file two motions – one in the 2d DCA, asking it to reconsider its decision of December 29, 2004, and a second in the trial court guardianship proceeding, asking Judge Greer once again to prevent withdrawal of nutrition and hydration until the 2d DCA does so.

January 24, 2005
The United States Supreme Court refused to grant review of the case in which the Florida Supreme Court struck down “Terri’s Law” as unconstitutional.

February 7, 2005
Florida's Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services cites the Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation for failing to register with the state to solicit donations.

February 11, 2005
In Pinellas County, Judge Greer denies the Schindlers' motions, filed January 10 and 13, 2005. The order authorizing withdrawal of the PEG tube remains in effect, although implementation is stayed pending the outcome of currently pending appeals.

February 15, 2005
The Schindlers ask the 2nd DCA to stay the mandate issued when it refused to hear their most recent appeal.

February 16, 2005
Randall Terry, founder of the pro-life activist organization Operation Rescue, appears with the Schindlers at a news conference, vowing protest vigils against removal of the PEG tube.

February 18, 2005
The Schindlers again petition Judge Greer in Pinellas County for reconsideration of the order of February 11, 2005, in which the court upheld its judgment, made in the year 2000, that the PEG tube should be removed.

February 18, 2005
Florida Representatives Baxley Brown; Cannon; Davis, D.; Flores; Goldstein; Lopez-Cantera; Murzin; Quinones; Traviesa introduced H 701 in the Florida Legislature. H 701, mirroring S. 692 (introduced in October 2003 and withdrawn in April 2004), would require maintenance of medically supplied nutrition and hydration in incapacitated persons in most instances.
H.701

February 21, 2005
The 2d DCA denies the Schindlers’ motion of February 15, 2005, clearing the way for removal of the PEG tube when the current stay expires on February 22, 2005. Judge Greer schedules a hearing on the Schindlers’ motion of February 18, 2005, for February 23, 2005.

February 22, 2005
Judge Greer stays removal of the PEG tube until 5 p.m. on February 23, 2005 (after he hears argument on the motion filed by the Schindlers on February 18, 2005).

February 23, 2005
After a hearing, Judge Greer extends the stay preventing removal of the PEG tube until 5 p.m. on February 25, 2005, to permit time to issue an order detailing his decisions regarding matters discussed at the hearing. Officials from Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) move to intervene in the case, but Judge Greer denies the motion to intervene at the hearing.

February 25, 2005
Judge Greer denies the motion before him and orders that, “absent a stay from the appellate courts, the guardian, Michael Schiavo, shall cause the removal of nutrition and hydration from the ward, Theresa Schiavo, at 1 p.m. on Friday, March 18, 2005.”
Order Denying Stay

February 26, 2005
The St. Petersburg Times reports that a Vatican cardinal spoke on Vatican Radio opposing removal of the PEG tube.
St. Petersburg Times article

February 28, 2005
The Schindlers file a number of motions with Judge Greer, addressing a range of issues. They also indicate that they will appeal the judge's decision of February 25, 2005. Judge Greer denies some of the motions but agreed to set a hearing date to consider others.
St. Petersburg Times article

March 7, 2005
The Schindlers appeal Judge Greer's February 25, 2005 order to the 2nd DCA.
Bioethicists from six Florida universities submit an analysis of H701.
Bioethicists' analysis

March 8, 2005
U.S. Rep. David Weldon (R.-Fla.) introduces in the United States House of Representatives H.R. 1151, titled the Incapactitated Persons' Legal Protection Act. The bill would permit a federal court to review the Schiavo matter through a habeas corpus lawsuit.
H.R. 1151

March 9, 2005
The Florida House Health Care Regulation Committee considers H.701, voting to approve a Council/Committee Substitute 701 instead of the original version.
Council/Committee Substitute 701

March 10, 2005
Judge Greer issues order denying Florida's Department of Children and Families the right to intervene in the guardianship case.


March 14, 2005
The Judiciary Committee in the Florida House considers H.701, voting to approve another Committee substitute for the original bill. The Sun-Sentinel reports that the House and the Senate have agreed that this bill will come to a vote.
Second Committee Substitute 701

March 15, 2005
The Florida House Health & Families Council considers and approves the second committee substitute H.701.

The Florida Senate Judiciary Committee passes S.804, providing that medically supplied nutrition and hydration cannot be “suspended from” a person in a PVS if: (1) the purpose of the suspension is “solely to end the life of” a person in a PVS; (2) a conflict exists on the issue of suspension of medically supplied nutrition and hydration among the persons who could be proxy decisionmakers for that person under Florida law; and (3) the person in the PVS had not executed a written advance directive or designated a health care surrogate.
Senate Bill 804

March 16, 2005
The 2d DCA affirms Judge Greer’s orders and refuses to stay the scheduled March 18 withdrawal of the PEG tube.
2d DCA Opinion

The U.S. House of Representatives, by voice vote, passes H.R. 1332, the Protection of Incapacitated Persons Act of 2005. This bill would amend federal law to provide for removal of certain cases to federal court from state court, rather than authorizing use of the federal habeas corpus remedy to obtain federal court review, as H.R. 1151 would have.
H.R. 1332


March 17, 2005
The Florida House of Representatives approves H.701, after some amendments.
House-Engrossed H.701

The Florida Senate votes down S.804.

Florida’s Department of Children and Families (DCF) petitions the Florida Supreme Court for relief, and the Florida Supreme Court denies the petition.
DCF All Writs Petition
Florida Supreme Court order

The U.S. Senate passes a “private bill” applying to the Schiavo case but differing from H.R. 1332. The U.S. Senate website, at www.senate.gov, explains a “private bill” as follows: “A private bill provides benefits to specified individuals (including corporate bodies). Individuals sometimes request relief through private legislation when administrative or legal remedies are exhausted. Many private bills deal with immigration–granting citizenship or permanent residency. Private bills may also be introduced for individuals who have claims again the government, veterans benefits claims, claims for military decorations, or taxation problems. The title of a private bill usually begins with the phrase, "For the relief of. . . ." If a private bill is passed in identical form by both houses of Congress and is signed by the President, it becomes a private law.”
U.S. Senate Bill 653 ES
Orlando Sentinel article

The Schindlers ask the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case, but the U.S. Supreme Court denies their petition.
Schindlers’ Petition to U.S. Supreme Court
U.S. Supreme Court Denial

March 18, 2005
The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Government Reform issues five subpoenas: one commanding Michael Schiavo to appear before it and bring with him the “hydration and nutrition equipment” in working order; three commanding physicians and other personnel at the hospice to do the same; and one commanding Terri Schiavo to appear before it. The subpoenas would require that the PEG tube remain in working order until at least the date of testimony, March 25, 2005. The subpoenas are included as appendices to the U.S. House All Writs Petition (see just below).

The Committee on Government Reform also moves to intervene in the guardianship litigation before Judge Greer and asks Judge Greer to stay his order requiring removal of the PEG tube. Judge Greer denies the motions.
U.S. House Motion to Intervene
U.S. House Motion for Stay



The Committee on Government Reform files an emergency all-writs petition with the Florida Supreme Court, effectively seeking reversal of Judge Greer’s denial of its motions. The Florida Supreme Court denies this petition.
U.S. House All Writs Petition

The PEG tube is removed in mid-afternoon. This is the third time the tube has been removed in accordance with court orders.

The Schindlers, as “next friends” of their daughter, file a petition for writ of habeas corpus in federal district court in the Middle District of Florida. That court dismisses the case for lack of jurisdiction and refuses to issue a temporary restraining order because “there is not a substantial likelihood that [the Schindlers] will prevail on their federal constitutional claims.”
Schindlers' Habeas Corpus Petition












are you sexy








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JoeD said:
Never? Since birth?

I know it's been beaten to death (no pun intended), but I've seen interviews on TV with nurses who took care of Terri in the hospice who say that she did speak. Simple words, not a conversation. One of the nurses at least as a sworn affidavit on file (part below).

Terri's friend Diane Meyer testified that in 1982 Terri told her she did not agree with the decision by Karen Ann Quinlan's parents to take their daughter off life support.

Judge Greer concluded that this conversation could not have occurred in 1982 because Terri would only have been 11 or 12 years old in 1976 when Karen Ann Quinlan "died". But Quinlan did not die until 1985. Greer was wrong about concluding the conversation could not have taken place and should not have thrown it out.

AFFIDAVIT
STATE OF FLORIDA )
COUNTY OF PINELLAS )

BEFORE ME the undersigned authority personally appeared CARLA
SAUER IYER, R.N., who being first duly sworn, deposes and says:

1. My name is Carla Sauer Iyer. I am over the age of eighteen and make
this statement of my own personal knowledge.
..
..
..
7. Terri's medical condition was systematically distorted and
misrepresented by Michael. When I worked with her, she was alert
and oriented. Terri spoke on a regular basis while in my presence,
saying such things as "mommy," and "help me." "Help me" was, in
fact, one of her most frequent utterances. I heard her say it hundreds
of times. Terri would try to say the word "pain" when she was in
discomfort, but it came out more like "pay." She didn't say the "n"
sound very well. During her menses she would indicate her discomfort
by saying "pay" and moving her arms toward her lower abdominal
area. Other ways that she would indicate that she was in pain included
pursing her lips, grimacing, thrashing in bed, curling her toes or
moving her legs around. She would let you know when she had a
bowel movement by flipping up the covers and pulling on her diaper
and scooted in bed on her bottom.

8. When I came into her room and said "Hi, Terri", she would always
recognize my voice and her name, and would turn her head all the way
toward me, saying "Haaaiiiii" sort of, as she did. I recognized this as a
"hi", which is very close to what it sounded like, the whole sound
being only a second or two long. When I told her humrous stories
about my life or something I read in the paper, Terri would chuckle,
sometimes more a giggle or laugh.


A few things...Well yeah..You got me.. She could speak before the heart attack :banana:

Second TS uncle testified that he told her at their grandfathers funeral that she did not want to be Kept alive by machines..She also made similar statements to two other people

Third..Three nurses signed affidavits that Terri was talking ...They wwere thrown out because they were deemed not to be credible witnesess..In fact one of them was fired from the clinic..I can't find anything to say why the 3rd one was dismissed
 
JennyMominRI said:
It's in court documents that she said it to her brother and couple friends.

Isn't is amazing that the husband and apparently no one else seemed to remember that during the malpractice suit. It wasn't until after winning the malpractice suit their memory suddenly cleared up. Hmmm. Funny how that worked out.
 
Mickey's Monkey said:
Isn't is amazing that the husband and apparently no one else seemed to remember that during the malpractice suit. It wasn't until after winning the malpractice suit their memory suddenly clear up. Hmmm. Funny how that worked out.
Even if you discount MS testimony there are still 3 others who testtified to her wishes including her brother
 
Honestly, has anyone here even lived with someone in a PVS? I have, and let me tell you, just because they make noise does NOT mean they are responding to any stimuli. My brother was in a PVS from birth, and I remember him waking us up a few times in the middle of the night laughing. He would moan, grunt, grimace, smile, all those things, but they meant nothing and were not in response to any stimuli. You could pinch him- no reaction. He had no normal reflexes at all, lost the suckling reflex even after a year or so and had to be tube-fed. He did not recognize anyone or anything, if something crossed his field of vision he would track it for a few seconds- but that was anything- a face, a finger, a fly, a beam of light, anything at all. He couldn't grasp, his extremities were twisted and flexed due to muscle spasms. He couldn't even COUGH. Imagine being 6 YO and watching your little brother die in pieces because there were no right-to-die laws in the 60's and 70's. Then tell me how you feel.
 
phillybeth said:
Honestly, has anyone here even lived with someone in a PVS? I have, and let me tell you, just because they make noise does NOT mean they are responding to any stimuli. My brother was in a PVS from birth, and I remember him waking us up a few times in the middle of the night laughing. He would moan, grunt, grimace, smile, all those things, but they meant nothing and were not in response to any stimuli. You could pinch him- no reaction. He had no normal reflexes at all, lost the suckling reflex even after a year or so and had to be tube-fed. He did not recognize anyone or anything, if something crossed his field of vision he would track it for a few seconds- but that was anything- a face, a finger, a fly, a beam of light, anything at all. He couldn't grasp, his extremities were twisted and flexed due to muscle spasms. He couldn't even COUGH. Imagine being 6 YO and watching your little brother die in pieces because there were no right-to-die laws in the 60's and 70's. Then tell me how you feel.
Philly,I'm so sorry
I think what a lot of people miss is that both *sides* care here..Both sides don't want to see her suffer. We just disagree on how to acomplish that.. Neither side is coldhearted and uncaring.
Neither side of Terri's family is likely to be uncaring either..they too differ on what suffering is
 

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