Terri Schiavo died in the Pinellas Park hospital on Thursday. Terri Schiavo, the severely brain damaged Florida woman, who was facing the right-to-die controversy. She died today 13 days after her feeding tube was removed on the order of a state court judge.
Terri Schiavo was 26 years when she collapsed in her home in 1990. She was suffering from potassium deficiency, due to extreme weight loss. Doctors said that she was in a persistent vegetative stage. She was awake, but did not recognize anyone. She could make noises, but did not speak. She could breathe on her own, but could not fee herself. Doctors said that her brain was incapable of emotion, memory or thought.The fight was between Ms. Schiavo’s husband, Michael Schiavo, to have his wife’s feeding tube removed, saying he was fulfilling her wish not to live in a vegetative state, and her parents, who said she could still recover were she given proper treatment, lasted seven years and made it way from the state courts to the supreme court., and back again, several times.
The death of Terri Schiavo has given rise to a National debate over whether she should have been reconnected to the food tube that provided her with nourishment and hydration.
“Today, millions of Americans are saddened by the death of Terri Schiavo. Laura and I extend our condolences to the family. I appreciate the example of grace and dignity they have displayed at a difficult time,”
“I urge all those who honor Terri Schiavo to continue to work to build a culture of life where all Americans are welcomed and valued and protected, especially those who live at the mercy of others,” - George. W. Bush.
