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Terri Schiavo News: Facts, Myths, and Issues in the Terri Schiavo Case

Terri Schiavo fell into a coma brought on buy her bulimia and the loss of blood flow to her brain caused it to die - her cerebral cortex was gone and spinal fluid was all that remains. Terri Schiavo's husband, Michael, wanted the feeding tube removed and said that was what she would have wanted. All courts agreed, but Terri Schiavo's parents fought it - and lost
Did Terri Schiavo Help Derail Christian Right Agenda?
Who can forget the Terri Schiavo debates? Republican leaders would like to, it seems. They took a strong stand in defense of religious extremism and, as a consequence, lost significant support from everyone but religious extremists. They haven't been able to do much to push their social and religious agenda since then.
Reactions to Terri Schiavo Autopsy Report
People are reacting to the Terri Schiavo autopsy report in predictable ways. Those who argued that she didn't have enough of a brain left to process higher-level reasoning have been proven right - she couldn't even process visual information anymore. Those who insisted she was still conscious and could recover are in a very loud and aggressive state of denial.
Schiavo Autopsy Shows Exactly What Was Expected
The autopsy results for Terri Schiavo have finally been released and they reveal exactly what reputable medical experts asserted all along. Her brain was mostly gone. It never would have bee possible for her to recover. There were no signs of abuse.
Poll - Persistent Vegetative State: A Reason to Die?
There are some who, after an illness or an accident, end up in a 'persistent vegetative state,' with no hope of recovery. All higher cognitive functions are gone and there is no reason to think that they will come back. Would you want to continue in such a state, or would you rather die?
Terri Schiavo's Medical Facts, History: Bulimia, Brain Death
In the debate over what should happen to Terri Schiavo, many lose sight of the facts and background of Terri’s medical history. Terri Schiavo had bulimia which produced a potassium imbalance which in turn caused a cardiac arrest. This shut off blood flow to her brain, much of which then died. Today her cranium is largely filled with spinal fluid, not brain matter.
Terri Schiavo's Parents Angered by Grave Marker
Michael Schiavo has finally been allowed to bury his wife, after so many years of legal and emotional battles. Naturally Terri Schiavo's parents won't let the matter drop even now and are raising public complaints about what appears on Terri's grave marker.
When Did Terri Schiavo Die? Brain Death, Vegetative States
The debate over Terri Schiavo is about whether a feeding tube should be used to keep her body alive despite the absence of a brain. It is possible to argue that Terri Schiavo actually died in 1991 because of the absence of brain activity now. It depends upon how we define the death. That used to be easy, but the ability of medical technology to keep our bodies functioning has made it complicated.
Terri Schiavo & The Christian Right: Debate Over Humanity
The debate over the fate of Terri Schiavo has also been a debate about the nature of our humanity and human life. The disagreement can be described as one about the presence or absence of Terri Schiavo as a person: does the absence of her cerebral cortex and higher brain functions represent the absence of her as a person, or does she have a soul which means that 'she' is still there?
Living Wills & Future Preferences: Who Should Decide Your Treatment?
Sometimes a person's medical condition precludes them from expressing a preference about their treatment and the responsibility lies entirely with others. Sometimes a person’s medical condition allows them to express their preferences. What happens, though, when someone expressed preferences in the past regarding conditions that exist now - should those preferences be heeded?
Terri Schiavo vs. Death Row Inmates
Christian conservatives insisted not long ago that the government should err on the side of life and, therefore, Terri Schiavo's feeding tube should be reinserted until a full review could be made in the federal courts. If they really believed this, why don't they insist on the same for prisoners on death row?
Terri Schiavo's Death Will Not Be the End
I think that a lot of people may actually be looking forward to Terri Schiavo's death, thinking that once her life ends then so will the media frenzy, the religious extremists' media spotlight, and the interminable debate. That probably won't be the case, though - you should prepare for the ordeal to continue.
Republican Fascism, Assault on End-of-Life Decisions
As they say, bad cases make for bad law and the Terri Schiavo issue represented a monumentally bad case. It has inspired America's Christian Right to reach even higher and father for new laws that will allow them to further restrict individual liberty.
Terri Schiavo Case: Conservatives vs. Liberals; Life vs. Law
What does the Terri Schiavo case have to do with the election of George W. Bush? When Bush was originally elected, conservatives argued that not every vote in Florida should be recounted, even if that wasn't fair, because the law didn't allow for that. Many conservatives failed to defend this principle when it came to Terri Schiavo.
Zealotry and its Victims
The religious extremism that was on display in Florida during the Terri Schiavo media circus was astounding. Most Americans never agreed with keeping Terri on a feeding tube for as long as her body could go on, but that didn't stop the zealots. America in general will suffer if the zealots are able to continue like this.
The GOP Needs Religious Extremists
The Terri Schiavo case has revealed some of the deep divisions within America's conservative movement and the Republican Party. Some observers, including some conservatives, have speculated that these divisions might widen, leading to a loss of unity in the GOP and perhaps even a loss of political power. Such hopeful speculation may be premature.
The Fight Over Terri Schiavo: Parents, Spouses, and Kinship Ties in the Terri Schiavo Case
The legal battle over Terri Schiavo is fundamentally a family fight: Terri Schiavo’s husband Michael wants to do one thing and her parents, the Schindlers, want to do something else. Both laws and court cases have consistently sided with spouses when it comes to making decisions about medical care. Why should the judgment of spouses be preferred, though?
Democracy & Extremism
Democracy and extremism don't mix - extremism tends to undermine democratic institutions, but those institutions have trouble containing extremists in advance. People in the Terri Schiavo case already need bodyguards and there have already been murders. Politicians violate their oaths to the Constitution in order to please extremists. What's next?
Facts and Lies About Terri Schiavo (3 updates)
Terri Schaivo's sad case keeps appearing in the news, but more often than not we hear lies, myths, and distortions - consistently from religious conservatives (and especially conservative Catholics) determined to say or do anything in the name of their cause. If only they paid closer attention to medical facts and logic...
Mel Gibson on Terri Schiavo's Case
Mel Gibson came out in support of Terri Schiavo's parents before she died, faxing them a statement that read in part: "I fully support the efforts of Mr. & Mrs. Schindler to save their daughter, Terri Schiavo, from a cruel starvation. Terri's husband should sign the care of his wife over to her parents so she can be properly cared for."
Rush Limbaugh on Terri Schiavo's Death
Rush Limbaugh comments on the death of Terri Schiavo: "It is plain as day what happened here. The United States government ordered the starvation of an innocent citizen who was not dying. ... Having now gotten their wish in having Terri Schiavo put to death by court order, the American left is now free to turn their attention to saving Scott Peterson from the same fate...
Tom DeLay on the Terri Schiavo's Death (Translation)
CNN quotes Tom DeLay on Terri Schiavo's death: "This loss happened because our legal system did not protect the people who need protection most, and that will change," the Texas Republican said. "The time will come for the men responsible for this to answer for their behavior, but not today. Today we grieve, we pray, and we hope to God this fate never befalls another."
Laura Bush on the Terri Schiavo's Death (Translation)
ABC quotes Laura Bush on Terri Schiavo's death: "I just feel like the federal government has to be involved. It is a life issue that really does require government to be involved."
Loudmouth Christian Leaders
One of the most prominent features of the Terri Schiavo controversy has been the constant presence of loud, aggressive Christians outside Terri's hospice. They have been adept at whipping up passion among other Christians and making their case to the media. Are they helping or harming their cause, though?
Frank Pavone on Terri Schiavo's Death
CNN quotes Rev. Frank Pavone on Terri Schiavo's death: "We not only grieve that Terri has passed, but we grieve that our nation has allowed such an atrocity as this, and we pray that it will never happen again."
Why Didn't Michael Shiavo Walk Away?
Terri Schiavo died on the 14th day after her gastric feeding tube was removed. This doesn't mean that the case or the controversy are over, though. One question asked by many from the Christian Right is why Michael Schiavo persisted for so long. CNN quotes David Gibbs, the Schindlers' lawyer: "I don't understand why Michael Schiavo at some point didn't walk away."
Jewish Law on Terri Schiavo & Feeding Tubes
We've heard quite a lot about what conservative, evangelical Christians think about the Terri Schiavo case, but what about other religions? They have their own perspectives and disagreements but any contributions they might make has been lost in the fundamentalist din.
Opposing Randall Terry & Christian Fascism in Florida
The other day I wrote about how counter-protesters outside Terri Schiavo's hospice managed to make the news by grabbing a microphone and labelling the protesters "Christian Fascist Thugs." Completely by chance I stumbled on the blog of a person responsible for this counter-protest and I want to share with you some of her thoughts on the Schiavo case.
Christian Right Pushing for End to Living Wills?
One of the problems for religious conservatives who want Terri Shiavo's gastric tube reinserted is that the case hinges on the fact that the courts have determined that this is what Terri would have wanted. Therefore, they must argue that patient wishes shouldn’t be followed in these cases. That may sound paternalistic and authoritarian, but that's exactly what they are discussing.
Priests for Life... Priests Against Liberty
One of the most vocal supports of the Shindlers, Terri Schiavo's parents, has been Father Frank Pavone, the national director of the anti-abortion group Priests for Life. If you pay close attention to his rhetoric, however, you'll find that his position would entail an authoritarian government where liberty is ignored.
Alan Keyes Defends Florida Dictatorship?
If there is one person who can always be counted upon to defend the indefensible, it's Alan Keyes. In the past he's defended the authority of states to establish theocracies. Now he is defending the authority of the Florida governor to ignore anything done by courts of the legislature, if it suits his agenda.
Biblical Roots of Kinship & Spousal Decision-Making
A common refrain being heard from conservative Christians is that parents should be the ones to make medical decisions when their children are unable to make their wishes known, ignoring any decisions or wishes expressed by the spouse. This contradicts centuries of civil law as well as biblical principles.
List of Terri Schiavo Donors Being Sold
Terri Schiavo's parents solicited donations from religious conservatives to help them in their legal battles. Now they are authorizing the sale of donors' names and addresses to conservative groups who want to hit these people up for more money. Will the Schindlers be getting a piece of this action?
Accusations of Abuse Against Michael Shiavo: Dismissed with Prejudice
You may have heard the various accusations (sometimes implied, sometimes explicit) that Terri Schiavo's condition was caused by abuse suffered at the hands of Michael Schiavo. Is there any substance to these charges? Absolutely not - but that doesn't stop the faith-based "morality" crowd from repeating them.
What is the Terri Schiavo Case Really About?
Now that much of the Terri Schiavo case are winding down, it would be helpful to take a look back and review what the real issues actually were. They weren't about euthanasia or disabilities or any of the other things that the Christian Right tried to claim.
Schiavo Protesters Being Immoral Pests
The people protesting outside the Terri Schiavo's hospice are claiming to be fighting for morality. In reality, their battle is causing a tremendous disturbance in the local community and for the hospice itself. Do they care? No - they don't even seem to care that they are working with a rapist.
Facts and Lies about Religion in the Terri Schiavo Case
The forces opposed to removing Terri Schiavo's gastric tube are almost uniformly religious in their perspective. Unfortunately for them, a significant number of those who support Michael Schiavo are also religious in their perspective. How can the Christian Right attack others in the usual manner, i.e. pretend that they are immoral and godless?
Terri's Law?
Many Republicans are incensed that the law was actually on the side of Michael Schiavo and spouses are allowed to make medical decisions for each other, even if the parents disagree. Thus, Charles Krauthammer has proposed "Terri's Law," which would take that right away.
Moral Relativism & Terri Schiavo
You may have read or heard about the recent David Brooks column where he attempts to explain the difference in reactions between conservatives and liberals to the Terri Schiavo case. It's a generally poor column with only a couple of fair points made.
Battle Brewing Over Terri Schiavo's Funeral
Terri Schiavo's death will not end the rancorous conflict between Terri's husband, Michael Schiavo, and her parents. Michael wants to have Terri's body cremated and taken back to Pennsylvania; the Schindlers want a Catholic funeral and burial in Florida.
Tom DeLay Let Father Die in 1988
One of the self-righteous Republicans at the forefront of political efforts to restore Terri Schiavo's feeding tubes was Tom DeLay. He accused Michael Schiavo of "barbarism" and worse for wanting to end the extraordinary medical steps used to keep Terri alive. Yet, DeLay did much the same with his own father.
Schiavo: This Business Will Get Out of Control...
President Bush and the GOP have certainly gotten their "base" of religious extremists whipped up into a frenzy. The question now: will they be able to keep control of them and direct all the excitement into something the GOP wants, like undermining the judiciary? Or will the inflamed passions get out of control?
Schiavo Judge Asked to Leave Church
In Pinellas County, Florida, Judge Geroge Greer has been asked to leave his church. Apparently his pastor doesn't think that it would be appropriate for Greer to continue worshipping in the same community anymore. Can't you just feel the love coming for the Christian Right's "culture of life"?
Terri Schiavo Is Not An Object
A common question we hear from the Christian Right is why not just give Terri Schiavo to her parents, the Schindlers. Michael Schiavo won't have to deal with her, the Schindlers get to keep her, and everyone will be happy. Right? Well, no.
Randall Terry's Family Values & Terri Schiavo's Family
One of the most prominent activists helping the Schindlers get a feeding tube reinserted into their daughter, Terri Schiavo, is Randall Terry. He's well known for his activism in the anti-abortion movement. He's less well known for how horribly he's messed up his own family.
Bush Wants to Cut Programs Aiding Brain-Damaged Kids
President Bush has announced that he supports a "presumption in favor of life" in American society. Tom DeLay has supported the use of more medical treatment and therapy in order to help Terri Schiavo recover from her condition. Why, then, do they both support a budget that cuts a program dedicated to helping kids and adults suffering from brain damage?
Christian Right Cashing in On Terri Schiavo
Religious conservatives have complained that Michael Schiavo has a financial incentive in his wife's death. What they don't tell you is that they have a financial incentive in her death as well - they have been flagrantly and shamelessly using her and her case to increase contributions that fund their broader, theocratic war on modern culture.
Terri Schiavo: Judicial Review vs. Judicial Appeals
Many people seem to have expected the federal courts to give a new trial to the parents of Terry Schiavo. That's not the way the court system works and if they understood the court system, they wouldn't have had their unreasonable hopes dashed.
Michael and Terri Schiavo
From Sheri & Bob Stritof, About's Marriage Guides: "Here's information about how Michael and Terri Schiavo met, their wedding, and more, including a timeline of the medical dispute regarding Terri's condition."
Terri Schiavo Case: Political & Legal News
From Kathy Gill, U.S. Politics Guide: Annotated index of news and commentary about the Terri Schiavo case.
Terri Schiavo should be....
What should happen to Terri Schiavo? Should she be kept alive? Allowed to die? Be euthanized quickly? Most are choosing the third choice, euthanasia. Vote in the online poll and discuss your opinion with others...
Gary McCullough: Schindler Spokesman, Apologist for Violence
One of the family spokesman of the Schindler family is Gary McCullough. He and Tandall Terry have been very active and vocal in trying to prevent Michael Schiavo from making decisions about his wife's care. Who is Gary McCullough? He's been involved in the violent anti-abortion movement - the people who justify killing abortion doctors.
Discussion: Terri Schiavo, Theism, and Humanism
Terri Schiavo, Theism, and Humanism A forum member writes: What is being played out in the Terry Schiavo case is the battle between humanistic and theistic values. Humanistic values hold the rights of people paramount. Theistic values elevate the rights of a god -- in this case the Christian god -- above the rights of people.
Michael Schiavo Accused of Atheism
If I had thought about it, I probably would have expected it. People who disagree with what is being done to Terri Schiavo have reached down in to the blackest depths of their hearts and come up with the worst insult they can think of: they call him an atheist.
This 'Culture of Life' Message Was Bought and Paid For...
All the furor over whether Terri Schiavo should remain connected to feeding tube raises some interesting issues that the media has ignored. For various reasons, the laws which President George W. Bush supports likely would have led to Terri Schiavo's death many years ago. So why is he so anxious to save her now?
Catholic Church & Terri Schiavo: Shifting Policy?
The Vatican has spoken out against the removal of Terri Schiavo's feeding tube, claiming that feeding tubes don't qualify as "extraordinary" care and, hence, it's not licit to remove them. What's curious about this is that it appears to represent a bit of a shift in policy.
Faith vs. Science in Terri Schiavo's Case
The Christian Right has never met bad science or pseudoscience that it doesn't like - so long as it furthers their religious agenda, that is. Now they have found a new doctor who will say that Terri Schiavo really is conscious. Why? Because of his faith. This same man thinks that fertilized embryos have consciousness, too.
Publicity Stunts, Symbols, & Moral Failure in Terri Schiavo's Case
Christian Right activists who want Terri Schiavo's feeding tube reinserted have engaged in civil disobedience in front of her hospice. This is understandable and expected - less understandable is how they have used their own children to magnify the publicity of their stunts.
Erring on the Side of Life... or Fascism? (updated)
Conservatives seeking to reinsert Terri Schiavo's feeding tube have articulated the ethical principle that we should "err on the side of life" - that's why more and more judicial reviews of her case are necessary. Even President Bush has used these words. Is there any reason to believe them? Could they be seeking something else?
Why Not Let Terri Schiavo's Parents Care For Her?
One of the arguments sometimes made by those who don't want Terri Schiavo's feeding tube removed is that Michael Schiavo, if he disagrees with caring for her, should just let her parents take over. If he really believes that she will never recover, what's the harm in letting others deal with what's left?
DeLay: Terri Schiavo Case is a Gift from God
Conservative Republicans have pulled out all stops in order to make a political issue out of Terri Schiavo's case. Neither conservative principles nor the rule of law matter - all that matters anymore is that they have an issue which allows them to pretend that they are defending godly morality against godless, immoral liberalism.
Terri Schiavo Case Brings Out Violent, Crazy Christians
Why is it that so many threats to people's lives come from the so-called "pro-life" movement? Judges who rule against pro-lifers put their own lives at risk - consider, for example, Florida Circuit Judge George Greer who has ruled in favor of Michael Shiavo. He now has to travel with two bodyguards because of threats from violent, crazy Christians.
Schiavo's Catholic Parents Seek Divorce for Daughter
In Florida, Michael Shiavo is trying to have his wife's feeding tube removed - he argues that Terri wouldn't have wanted to be kept alive in such a situation. Her parents have thwarted his efforts in one court battle after another. Now, they want a judge to declare the couple divorced.
Terry Schiavo's Father Killed His Mother
Terry Schiavo has become a famous figure because her husband wants to remove her feeding tube and let her die while her parents, aided by organizations from the Religious Right, want to keep their daughter alive. What many people don't realize is that her father may have very personal, emotional reasons for his stance.
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