Legislature intervenes in Schiavo case

TALLAHASSEE (FBW)-Frantic debate over the removal of a feeding tube from 39-year-old Terri Schiavo had lawmakers from Tampa to Clearwater scurrying Oct. 20 while death by starvation and dehydration appeared likely for the Clearwater woman.

In an early evening news conference Oct. 20, Senate President Jim King (R-Jacksonville), in Tallahassee for a Special Session to discuss Florida's budget, said the Senate would consider Oct. 21 a bill authorizing Gov. Jeb Bush to issue a one time stay to prevent the withholding of nutrition and hydration from a patient under certain cirumstances.

According to Florida Baptist Convention's legislative consultant Bill Bunkley, King said lawmakers should err on the side of caution.

House Speaker Johnnie Byrd (R-Plant City), who initiated the legislative involvement, called House members back for a late night session Oct. 20. As the Witness went to press at 11 p.m., House members handily passed HB 35E by a 68-23 vote. The House bill is nearly identical to the Senate version of the bill.

In 1990 Schiavo suffered unexplained heart failure which caused oxygen deprivation and severe brain damage (see Witness "Starving a woman to death in Clearwater" Sept. 4, Sept. 25).

Oct. 15, Schiavo's feeding tube was removed on a judge's order.

For updates on the Terri Schiavo case, visit the Witness Web site at: www.FloridaBaptistWitness.com.