[QUOTE]Originally posted by jmc1971

 

The thing is that we all sit here and pontificate over whether it's right to terminate the patient or not.

The issue is that frankly, it's none of our collective businesses.

The husband has been given the legal right to determine the proper care for her. The legal machinations for that already exist, and there is no doubt to his "right" to care for the patient as he and his doctors see fit.

Therefore the decision is his alone to make after taking into consideration whatever factors he deems necessary. The parents tried to wrest that control from him and failed. Yes, it sucks that not everyone can be happy, but I have no more of a right to tell them to have her euthanized than the right-to-life whackos holding vigils outside the hospice can tell them to keep her going. All I am doing is laying my opinion out as I see it with whatever limited info I have. I hope never to be in the position to ever have to make that kind of decision.

 

Crossing my fingers..."Terri's Bill."

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: ALIA FARAJ
MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2003
Statement By: GOVERNOR JEB BUSH

Regarding Expansion of Call of Special Session

TALLAHASSEE- "Today I extended the call of this special session to include legislation that may help in the case of Terri Schiavo. The proposed bill would allow for a stay in cases of withholding nutrition and hydration from patients in situations similar to that of Ms. Schiavo. President King, Speaker Byrd, and others in the Legislature recognize the unique and tragic circumstances of Ms. Schiavo's case, and I am hopeful the Legislature will pass a bill immediately."

# # #

 

According to the morning news the feeding tube was reinserted as of this A.M. I hope for the best and pray for those involved.

 

Just what we need... more legislation telling us how we should live and die.

 

BIG GOVERNMENT
It comes with the liberal territory. Custom made for those that can't or won't think for themselves. Seems to be the trend. I wish someone would stop this thing and let me off.

 

Yeah, in this case, you are right. She CAN'T think for herself. What's your point?

 

The court dropped the ball on this one when there was no independent guardian appointed for her. There's no need for additional legislation.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Gymniac
Yeah, in this case, you are right.

 

no, not brain dead, mentally incompetant.

in any case I am revolted by the Florida Legislature's action to block the MEDICAL DECISION that had been implemented. This should NOT be decided by politicians, it should be in the hands of Doctors, patients, and the people who care for and are empowered to act for patients in such cases as this.

The florida legislature overstepped their powers in this case, and directly undermined a valid and, in my opinion, good, decision by doctors to withdraw medical treatment. The courts will strike this down, because due to the constituionally protected right to privacy, the government may not intrude on an individuals autonomy or exert control over a person's body without their permission; Roe V. Wade (which is, unfortunately, under continued attack from the religious right) says that the govenment may not tell people what may and may not happen with their bodies.

I feel sorry for Terri, because in the end this will not be about her, it will be about the state of medical/governmental relations nationwide. This will divide a lot more people now that politics has entered the ring, despite being unwelcome. This should have been a purely medical decision, but now politicians have mucked it up...just as they seem to do all too often.

Quick2K