There's nothing left to fight over. All the evidence and opinions have been weighed. Our judicial system has made the decision. Now we must go on. Due process has had it's "due".

Doc

While *I* would not wish to live like that, the most startling of the videos to me is the "swab test".

There are certain reflexes that are referred to as "infantile" -- that when the higher brain is not functioning (or in the case of infants, has not learned how to function completely yet) become more obvious.

One of the most well-documented infantile reflex is the "rooting" reflex -- that if a person's cheek is rubbed on one side close to the mouth, they will turn toward the rubbing. It's one reason some new mothers have difficulties feeding their babies -- instead of rubbing the breast or the bottle's nipple on the cheek, they try to force the head over -- by putting pressure on exactly the wrong side of the mouth, and the baby turns toward the pressure, not towards the breast.

It's apparent that not only does Terri respond to pressure on the lips or the cheek, she does not exhibit a "rooting" reflex. Instead, she is actively trying to *avoid* the pressure -- presumably because when a person hasn't eaten by mouth in a long time or is mouth-breathing, their lips and mucous membranes in their mouth become incredibly sensitive -- and yes, painful, if they can feel pain.

As for 28 year olds with a living will -- I made out my first living will when I was 21. I'm 25 now. I was not motivated by this case to do so, either. While I personally would not want to live that way, I can't make that same decision for another.

The one thing that really bugs me about this case is that I've heard Michael Schaivo's religious beliefs used as a defense for his behavior -- not divorcing her. I have a feeling it is more due to money, and not because of the whole medical trust issue either. At least in Arkansas, if divorce is based upon a spouse being declared mentally incompetent or being instituionalized (the only grounds Michael would have), the divorcing spouse is responsible for all medical care for the incapacitated spouse *for the rest of their lives*.

If he divorces her, he won't be her guardian, and she could live several more years if her parents continue to advocate artificial nutrition. If Florida has a similar law to Arkansas regarding fiscal responsibility for the incapacitated ex-spouse, he'd be out a lot more money than if he "gave the trust fund to charity".

Even if the feeding tube were re-inserted, she is still, and will always be, a vegetable. If I could not function in some way, I would not want to be left alive.

One thing I hate the most is the image of a female body and what occurs during the period of time when the body has no fluids or food.

I know from personal expereience, the loss of my fataher, according to Hospice, that a natural lack of water and food provides an anethesticing effect. Meaning that the patient is in no pain, what so ever. It is a natural peaceful death. That is what we wish from all of our loved ones.

My father died very peacefuly from cancer.

It makes me soooo mad when people try to capitalizez on information, without communicating the true facts. Shame on them!

And I want to see this woman get an autopsy. Incidentally, my information is that Michael Schiavo doesn't want one - he wants her cremated right away.

There is so much misinformation floating out there...much of it from rightwing sources. Your effort to really look at the facts is great. Thanks.

I have written several pieces for my blog on the Schiavo situation. It is one that rattles me to the core.

I'm concerned that even living wills, done in writing will now be compromised by Congress' actions. Given that two courts (including the Second Court of Appeals) yielded definitive rulings on Terri's wishes, Congress stepped in creating a horrible precedent.

Again, thanks for your commentary.

Killing Terri Schiavo

Starving for a Fair Diagnosis