Mercy For Terri: An Underlying Evil

April Shenandoah | March 17 2005

When I first heard of Terri Schindler Schiavo’s plight, I stopped in my tracks and prayed for a miracle. Sickened by the story, I became emotionally involved as many Americans have.

After more than a decade, the battle to save her life, by her parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, and husband Michael Schiavo’s determination to euthanize his wife – the battle ended October 15, 2003 when Terri’s feeding tube was removed. God Bless Florida’s Governor, Jeb Bush, for getting a new ruling passed that allowed the feeding tube to be replaced (after she was off it for six days). Pinellas County Circuit Court Judge George W. Greer has once again ordered the tube removed and the starvation process to begin March 18 at 1pm.

The Catholic Medical Association citing a talk last year by Pope John Paul, said that the withdrawal of food and water from Terri Schiavo "constitutes euthanasia, a gravely immoral act" and "represents a violation of her religious freedom as a Catholic." Mel Gibson along with thousands have made their support known, crying out for mercy on Terri’s behalf.

Video tape shown on national television – clearly shows that Terri definitely is not in a vegetative state, as the husband, the doctors, and the media have been describing her. She responds to her family with expressions, and has even been taught to say "yeah" in answer to their questions. Speech pathologist, Sara Green Mele, said, "based on my experience and my observations, Mrs. Schiavo is clearly aware of her environment and interacts with it, albeit inconsistently. She is able to comprehend spoken language, and can, at least inconsistently, follow simple commands. It is my opinion, that Terri’s life can be significantly enhanced by therapy." Terri’s family and other observers feel that she has the capability to swallow, therefore eat by mouth. Affidavits were sent to probate Judge Greer requesting him to allow a swallowing test, which he denied.

It boggles the mind how the facts of this case have been blatantly ignored by those making Terri’s "life and death" decision. Terri initially arrived at the hospital with broken bones (bone scans show she was severely beaten) but curiously was treated for a heart attack. Doctors have stated that oxygen had been shut off from her brain for several minutes, possibly from strangulation. Somehow Mr. Schiavo manages to elude suspicion by the authorities. Her husband has never allowed his wife any form of rehabilitation or comfort. Per his instruction, her room is not to be personalized in any way. Family pictures have been removed, the nurses have been instructed not to deliver cards and flowers to her room, and he refuses to let her listen to music CD’s supplied by the family.

Though she is not hooked to a respirator, Mr Schiavo claims that she does not want to be kept alive by artificial means. How artificial is feeding a person? Terri’s two cats, of five years, were euthanized by this same loving husband. He is in line to inherit $750K that was awarded to her via a medical malpractice lawsuit – he was awarded $300,000 in damages. The compensation was intended for Terri’s medical treatment and therapy -- which was never permitted. He recently turned down a million dollars if he would walk away and let Terri’s parents take care of her. The reality is that this concerned "said" husband has already walked away from Terri -- making a new life with another woman and having two children with her.

If anyone has an abnormal brain condition, they are the ones calling the "barbaric" shots. According to an article written by Becki Snow, in November of 2002, she calls the Hospice "nothing more than a Death Factory." It came to her attention that George J. Felos, Past Chairman of the Hospice’s Board of Directors, and attorney for Mr. Schiavo, is a self-described "right-to-die" advocate. Felos is the official but unseen hand of the Hospice who advocates death for those in his care. This once beautiful woman rots in her bed at the Woodside Hospice in Pinellas Park with a security policeman guarding her door, and all media and medical access tightly controlled.

If the state of Florida is allowed to murder Terri Schindler Schiavo who is next? Where is the Catholic Church who by law can intervene and save her? Where are the anti-euthanasia politicians and our "born-again" president? There is much more here than meets the eye! There is an underlying evil that has a precedent setting agenda – passing off murders as "mercy killings." May God have mercy for Terri and her family.

[I have personally witnessed forced starvation in hospitals, and convalescent homes. Families are usually oblivious to the non-care, drugging, and finally starvation of their loved ones. Euthanasia is common practice!]

"As we drift farther from the precepts of the Creator who gave us our right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, the culture of death takes deeper root."

Tony Nassif
(Author of "Jesus, Politics, and the Church")