A QUEENSLAND pro-life advocate has spoken out against a bid to remove the feeding tube from a brain damaged Florida woman.
Queensland Right to Life president Dr Donna Purcell said that to deny the patient, Terri Schiavo, the basic needs of life – food and water – would set a precedent that would endanger some of the most defenceless people in society.
Dr Purcell was commenting on a ruling by a Florida judge that the woman’s husband, Michael Schiavo, could order doctors to remove the feeding tube on March 18.
Subsequently, the US Congress has moved to legislate to reinstate her feeding tube while the case is reviewed before a federal court.
Although this patient has been severely brain damaged for 15 years, she is able to use the food supplied to her through a feeding tube,’ Dr Purcell said.
‘In acting to prevent her being given teh necessities of life, the Florida courts have ruled to enforce involuntary euthanasia.’
Dr Purcell welcomed the US Congress move and said it would relieve the family’s distress.
‘As a parent, I can well understand her parents’ distress at having a court order for their daughter’s murder carried out before their eyes.’
