St. Petersburg, FL (LifeNews.com) -- The national newspaper USA Today has released a list of the top 25 people over the last 25 years who have made a major impact on society. The list includes icons such as Pope John II, Mother Teresa and the heroes of 911, but it also features Terri Schiavo, the disabled woman whose husband killed her via euthanasia.

"They are the 25 on USA TODAY's list of people who moved us in the past quarter-century. Most are famous, but some are ordinary folks in extraordinary situations," the newspaper said of the people picked.

The editors say they selected Terri because of the impact her life and death had on end of life decisions and prompting millions of Americans to look at their own living wills or to talk to loved ones about what they'd want.

Terri's family and supporters appreciate her inclusion in the list but say USA Today added her for the wrong reasons.

"USA Today opines that Terri's contribution concerns living wills. I disagree," author and bioethics watchdog Wesley J. Smith told LifeNews.com.

"I think her most profound legacy is that after Terri, no one can now say they are unaware that we dehydrate people to death because they have profound cognitive disabilities," he explained.

Terri's brother, Bobby Schindler is not surprised by the selection because he continues to see the impact around the country and across the world that her live had.

"As I travel throughout the US and around the world speaking about my beloved sister, I continue to be deeply moved by the number of people who are very disturbed with the manner in which Terri was deliberately killed," he said.

"My family and I are also constantly humbled by the way she has touched the hearts and changed the lives of so many," he added.

Smith agreed that there was "clearly something very special about Terri Schiavo that surpassed the bitter politics of her death."

"So, yes: USA Today got this one right. Her life had--and continues to have--a profound and indelible impact on us all," he concluded.

Related web sites:
Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation - http://www.terrisfight.org