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Thank you,
for intelligent and well-written posts reflecting both sides of this sad story. I am inclined to agree with the husband's side of this issue. He was offered $1 million to relinquish custody of Terri, and he declined because, he said, she is his wife, they are permanently part of each other, and he will not abandon her.
It would be easy for him to take the money, divorce her, and relinquish her care to her parents. The money in trust from her malpractice suit does not equal $1 million any more, so it seems unlikely money is driving him.
Initially, when she came home from the hospital the first time after apparent Bulimia caused a heart failure and resuscitation, her husband and her parents cared for her, all in one home. She was returned to a medical facility after a short time because they could not manage her care at home.
Another issue here is one I haven't seen mentioned: Resuscitation of people who die. Yes, she was brought back, but was Terri brought back by emergency measures, or just her shell? Sometimes death is just that, death. Some of my family members have expressed the desire to "not die twice." If they die, they do not wish to be resuscitated.
I feel very deeply Terri's parents' pain. I am the mother of adult children. I would not want to be in the Schindlers' position. However, I am upset with the media coverage and politicalization this case has generated. Both sides are using Terri as a ping-pong ball, trying to gain a few votes here and there or detract from other national problems.
I'm concerned when a bill is rushed through Congress and signed by the President. It's supposed to apply only to Terri, but now a precedent has been set.
People who want information and a viewpoint on whether or not removal of the feeding tube (and I just read that it was capped, not withdrawn), may want to read a Reuters news report. For a report and timeline from a Florida law blogger who says he is impartial, click here.
There is a huge religious aspect to this case, too, with people from many faiths and belief systems weighing in. For my part, my prayers are with both the Schindlers and Michael Shiavo. I hope they all can find some resolution and peace soon. 
posted by
Witchflower
on March 23, 2005 at 3:45 PM
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This is just too much for me. If it were my child I could not do this.But??
posted by
Justi
on March 23, 2005 at 2:40 PM
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