Starving Terri

"For the love of God, I'm begging you, please, don't let my daughter die of thirst,"
- Mary Schindler (Terri Schiavo's mother)

When I read that quote in Peter's blog, my heart dropped as if a scene from a horror movie shocked me. I didn't know who Terri was until I read futher. The more I read the more I was horrified. This was what I gathered:

In 1990, Terri Schindler-Schiavo suffered a heart attack and since then she was diagnosed to be in a Persistent Vegetative State (PVS). But according to Terrisfight.net,

"Terri's behavior does not meet the medical or statutory definition of persistent vegetative state. Terri responds to stimuli, tries to communicate verbally, follows limited commands, laughs or cries in interaction with loved ones, physically distances herself from irritating or painful stimulation and watches loved ones as they move around her. None of these behaviors are simple reflexes and are, instead, voluntary and cognitive. Though Terri has limitations, she does interact purposefully with her environment."

To live, Terri only requires a gastro feeding tube which provides her with food and liquid because she is unable to swallow. Michael Schiavo (Terri's husband, who is currently living with another woman and now has two children of his own) has been fighting with the Schindler's (Terri's family) over the Terri's "right-to-die" for 10 years. Michael claims that Terri told him she would not want to be kept alive artificially. Terri's parents however disputed saying that she could get better and many credible physicians say she can benefit from theraphy. But her husband has denied her of any form of theraphy for the past decade. Sadly on 18th March 2005, Terri's feeding tube was removed and is now starving to death. Terri is in her 10th day now without her feeding tube. She IS dying.

---

I am more sad than angry. I imagined Terri's family frantically trying to fight the battle to keep her alive despite the plug was already pulled. I imagined Terri's mother getting down to her knees in tears, begging to allow her daughter to have some food and water. I imagined how Terri's family begged Michael Schiavo not cremate her body when she dies.

The fact that Terri is Catholic wrenched my heart even further. Because euthanasia is contrary to Catholic teaching. What's more disturbing is Terri was unfairly euthanized, she wants to live. There is still hope for Terri - she is still alive. Let's pray in faith that God will pro-long her life.

I appeal to all of you reading this, to pray for Terri's survival and sustenance. As for us Christians we can offer up sacrifices for Terri in the form of fasting/abstinence and increased prayer time. In addition to that Catholic Christians may also pray the rosary (dedicating each bead to Terri, e.g. ...Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for Terri now at the hour of her death. Amen.), ask St. Jude for Intercession as well as offering Masses.

Remember to P.U.S.H.
- Pray Until Something Happens!

"Yes, ask anything in my name, and I will do it!"
- Jesus (John 14:14, NLT)

credit: picture by Associated Press (AP, www.ap.org)