Today’s News & Views
March 31, 2005

Dave Andrusko can be reached at dandrusko@nrlc.org

Statements Honoring Terri Schindler Schiavo

THE PRESIDENT: "Today millions of Americans are saddened by the death of Terri Schiavo. Laura and I extend our condolences to Terri Schiavo's families. 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. The essence of civilization is that the strong have a duty to protect the weak. In cases where there are serious doubts and questions, the presumption should be in the favor of life."
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NATIONAL RIGHT TO LIFE “DEEPLY SADDENED” BY THE DEATH OF TERRI SCHIAVO
National Right to Life joins with countless others worldwide in expressing sympathy to the Schindler family over the death of Terri Schiavo. Terri died of starvation and dehydration today, nearly 13 days after her feeding tube was removed under court order.

“We are deeply saddened by Terri’s death and extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Schindler family," said Burke Balch, J.D., director of NRLC's Robert Powell Center for Medical Ethics. "Terri Schiavo’s death is a gross injustice and it marks a sad day in our history when our society allows Terri and others like her who have severe disabilities to be discarded in such a cruel and inhumane manner.

"We must redouble our efforts to protect those with disabilities. We will continue working to ensure that they are not dismissed by some 'quality of life' standard which dictates that some lives are less worthy than others.

"National Right to Life is promoting a pro-life living will called the ‘Will to Live’ for those who wish to make sure they are not put to death by starvation and dehydration. It is important to recognize that many standard living will forms are written to reject food and fluids, not to insist on them and we encourage people to consider signing a pro-life living will.”

“Will to Live” forms, along with instructions on how to complete them are available for each state at www.nrlc.org.
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CARDINAL KEELER MOURNS TRAGIC DEATH OF TERRI SCHIAVO

Cardinal William H. Keeler, chairman of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee for Pro-Life Activities, made the following statement today on the death of Terri Schiavo.

"We mourn the tragic death of Terri Schindler Schiavo, who died today from dehydration and starvation.

"Terri Schiavo's plight brought to light a critical question: To be a society that is truly human, how should we care for those most helpless patients who cannot speak for themselves?

"A year ago Pope John Paul II answered this question, when he reaffirmed that 'the administration of food and water, even when provided by artificial means,' should be considered 'morally obligatory' as long as it provides nourishment and alleviates suffering for such patients.

"'Any man's death diminishes me,' said the poet John Donne, 'because I am involved in mankind.' We are all diminished by this woman's death, a death that speaks to the moral confusion we face today. Ours is a culture in which human life is increasingly devalued and violated, especially where that life is most weak and fragile.

"We pray this human tragedy will lead our nation to a greater commitment to protect helpless patients and all the weakest among us. 'Yes, every man is his 'brother's keeper,' as the Holy Father teaches 'because God entrusts us to one another" (The Gospel of Life, 19).

"May the soul of Theresa Marie Schindler Schiavo rest in the peace and mercy of God. And may God have mercy on our society which failed to protect this innocent human life."
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Dave Andrusko can be reached at dandrusko@nrlc.org.