Parents consider new tactics as daughter’s life back in jeopardy
In old Greek plays, the main character often finds himself trapped in tragedy when, unexpectedly and out of nowhere, the miraculous means of his survival appears. Students of classical literature call this the Deus ex machina – the god from the machine.
While the plight of Terri Schindler-Schiavo is a tragedy for many right-to-life and disability advocates, it is no Greek play. Terri is a real human being. She suffers from a real disability. Her nominal husband Michael’s attempt to end her life is real.
Yet, every time the battle begins favouring Terri’s right-to-life, the Florida judiciary reasserts Michael’s “right” to bring about her death by starvation and dehydration. Thus, supporters of the Florida woman are faced with a diabolus ex machina – that is, a malevolent force within Florida determined to prevent Terri’s survival.
On Sept. 23, the diabolus ex machina struck again, when the Florida Supreme Court unanimously ruled Terri’s Law unconstitutional, because tit violated the separation of powers clause in the state constitution. In other words, the Florida Supreme Court ruled that Governor Bush and the Florida state legislature lacked the authority to pass and enforce Terri’s Law, because it circumvented the ruling of the lower court. The lower-court ruling essentially allowed Michael to end Terri’s life.
Governor Jeb Bush has promised to do everything possible to assist the Schindler family. Having consulted with his lawyers, he has requested a re-examination of the case due to procedural irregularities. Additionally, new evidence is reportedly pending.
Bob and Mary Schindler are Terri’s parents. When contacted by The Interim, the couple expressed disappointment with the decision of the Florida Supreme Court. “It’s been a very tough week for the family,” Mary stated. “All we ever wanted is the opportunity to get her treatment and rehabilitation.”
“Of course I’m disappointed,” Bob Schindler added. “I couldn’t stand to see an animal starved to death, let alone another human being. And this human being is our daughter. Bobby Junior and Suzanne (Terri’s siblings) feel the same way, but they’re ready to fight on.”
Bob Schindler added: “Please let The Interim know that our family is very touched by the prayers and support Terri receives from Canadians. It keeps us going.
Concerning the legal effects of the Florida Supreme Court decision, Schindler referred The Interim to a statement by Jay Sekolow. “The decision is very troubling and extremely disappointing,” Sekulow, a pro-life attorney and lead counsel for the Schindler family, stated. “The Florida Supreme Court has, in effect, issued a death sentence for Terri Schiavo – a flawed decision that ignores the constitutional authority given to the governor and to the legislature in crafting and enacting this law.”
During the week that followed the Florida Supreme Court decision, Sekulow and the Schindlers returned to the lower court to seek guardianship over Terri. The guardianship case was postponed, however, as the court heard arguments over whether Terri’s starvation and dehydration violate her religious freedom. “We’re focusing on the Pope’s recent statement forbidding Catholics from withholding nutrition and dehydration,” Schindler explained. “New evidence can be presented as it arises, and the issue is now in front of Judge Greer. The Pope’s proclamation helps Terri, because it clarifies church teaching.”
“Terri was a practising Catholic,” Schindler continued. “She married in the Catholic church during a nuptial mass. Prior to the wedding, even though he is not Catholic, Michael signed a statement agreeing not to interfere with Terri’s practice of the Catholic faith. He also agreed to raise any children in the Catholic faith. So even if Terri had wanted to be left to die, which none of Terri’s friends and family believe – but it is what the court believes, based on questionable, circumstantial evidence – being a Catholic, Terri would have obeyed the church’s teaching.”
