“Those who live at the mercy of others deserve our special care and concern. It should be our goal as a nation to build a culture of life, where all Americans are valued, welcomed, and protected – and that culture of life must extend to individuals with disabilities.”
President Bush on the need to protect Terri Schiavo
Last minute efforts by the U.S. Congress have failed to prevent the removal of Terri Schiavo’s feeding tube. Though separate bills have passed both the U.S. House and Senate allowing the Schindler family needed standing in federal court, no agreement was negotiated between the different versions before House members left Washington for their “spring work period.”
In a separate effort today, a federal subpoena was issued requiring that Schiavo’s feeding tube remain in place. Pinellas Circuit Court Judge Greer ordered, however, that the subpoenas be ignored and Terri’s feeding tube removed immediately. According to media reports, the feeding tube was removed at 3:20 p.m. est.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist has taken a leading role in efforts to save Terri’s life and continues to work to find a solution. On Friday Senator Frist said: “The Senate and the House remain dedicated to saving Terri Schiavo’s life. While discussions over possible legislative remedies continue, the Senate and the House are taking action to keep her alive in the interim.”
Pro-life Tennesseans should immediately contact Senator Frist to thank him and to encourage him to continue using his influence to protect Terri Schiavo.
President Bush also issued a statement in support of protecting Terri’s life saying “The case of Terri Schiavo raises complex issues. Yet in instances like this one, where there are serious questions and substantial doubts, our society, our laws, and our courts should have a presumption in favor of life. Those who live at the mercy of others deserve our special care and concern. It should be our goal as a nation to build a culture of life, where all Americans are valued, welcomed, and protected – and that culture of life must extend to individuals with disabilities.”
Please continue to pray and to contact your federal legislators. They need to know that, spring break or not, the protection of Terri’s life is an emergency matter. Action cannot be delayed until they return since, with her feeding tube now removed, Terri is unlikely to be alive by the time they return.
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