Terri's Feeding Tube Removed

Various news sources are reporting that Terri Schindler-Schiavo's feeding tube was removed at 1:45 P.M. on Friday. Although the Republican-led House of Representatives seems to be making an attempt to intervene in the Schiavo case, most of their attempts have already been rejected by the court system. The Supreme Court has once again refused to hear arguments in the Schiavo case, even though they were petitioned by the House of Representatives to do so. I'm thankful that the House of Representatives is trying to intervene in the Schiavo case, but I have to say that I don't think it's looking good, and I don't think the feeding tube will be reinserted this time. As much as Congress may want to intervene, this decision ultimately lies with the courts and there will not be much that Congress can do. Even if a bill is signed into law that would grant the Schindlers access to a federal court to argue their case, I don't think any federal judge is going to overturn Judge Greer's decision.

While I will support and applaud any further legal action, I think the best thing we can do right now is pray for Terri Schindler-Schiavo, for her physical well-being and also for her soul. Prayer is the only thing that can turn this around.

On a related note, I must commend the leadership role that Gov. Jeb Bush (R-FL), President Bush and the Republican Congress have taken in this matter. I hope that this leadership role will bear the fruit of concrete action rather than touching, but useless, words.


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Further Reading:

- "Schiavo's feeding tube removed," by Ninette Sosa, et al: CNN.

- "Don't Kick It," by Peggy Noonan: OpinionJournal.

- "On the Hill: Will Strong Actions Match Strong Words?" and "The Murder of Terri (Day 1): Leaders Must Lead -- Not Merely Plead!" by Earl Appleby: Life Matters, Citizens United Resisting Euthanasia.

- "Terri's Starvation Commences: Terri's 'Exit Protocol' Begins," by Fr. Rob Johansen: Thrown Back.

- "Do you think God does not have a hand in all of this?", The Anchoress.

- "Senate/House Leadership Urged to Pass 'Terri Schiavo's Law' on Monday," BlogsforTerri.


Action Alerts:

- Contact Speaker of the House Rep. Dennis Hastert (R-IL), House Majority Leader Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX), House Minority Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), Senate Majority Leader Sen. Bill Frist (R-TN), and Senate Minority Leader Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) and let them know that you will not stand for anything less than a bill that will give Terri Schindler-Schiavo another chance to be passed on Monday and sent to the President. Residents of their home states should inform them that votes in coming elections will depend on their cooperation.

- Contact President Bush and urge him to be more proactive in the fight for Terri's life, especially in trying to persuade the House of Representatives and the Senate to put a bill before him that would take her case to a federal court.