Terry Schiavo allowed to die

[her209]

Originally posted by: shira
A husband is automatically responsible for a spouse who is unable to speak for herself. He's been trying to get the feeding tube removed for 15 years. It's the parents who have been causing the delays with their endless legal challenges.

Actually, its been only 7 years (not 15).

In cases like these, where there is no written document, decisions are based on what is considered the best estimate of what the patient would have wanted. Michael Schaivo has said from the beginning, 15 years ago, that his wife would not have wanted to be kept alive. The decision of the courts that looked into the matter was that Michael Schaivo's view was more persuasive than that of Terri's parents'.

According to Florida Statute 765.101

(11) "Living will" or "declaration" means:

(a) A witnessed document in writing, voluntarily executed by the principal in accordance with s. 765.302; or

(b) A witnessed oral statement made by the principal expressing the principal's instructions concerning life-prolonging procedures.

As to his "moving on", what do you expect reasonably for a devoted husband to do when your in-laws are delaying, delaying, delaying. He could have divorced Terri and washed his hands of the matter. But he's remained married to her all these years, and litigated on her behalf.

Exactly. She is not a piece of property that should be passed between her husband and her parents.