Judge Sets New Hearing Date for Terri Schiavo Federal Suit
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
September 24, 2003
Clearwater, FL (LifeNews.com) — A federal judge has set a date for another hearing on the lawsuit filed by Terri Schiavo’s parents to halt the removal of a feeding tube that is providing her with food and water.
On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Richard Lazzara ordered an additional hearing on October 10. He wants Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist to testify and represent the state’s interests.
The additional hearing came at the request of Terri’s parents, Bob and Mary Schindler.
Circuit Court Judge George Greer has set a date of October 15 for removal of the gastric tube that is helping keep Terri alive.
Lazzara set a deadline of October 6 for Crist to notify the court whether he intends to participate.
Terri Schiavo’s parents on Monday re-filed a federal lawsuit against Terri’s husband Michael to stop the removal of a feeding tube. They also contend Judge Greer should have recused himself from the case because he has been colluding with Michael and his attorney, euthanasia advocate George Felos.
They are continuing the multiyear battle to keep Terri alive and provide her with the rehabilitative care Michael has never provided.
In 1990, Terri Schiavo was 26 years old when she collapsed at home from what doctors believe was a potassium imbalance.
Two years later, a jury awarded Michael Schiavo $1.3 million in a malpractice lawsuit he brought against her doctors. The money was placed in a trust fund to pay for medical treatment and rehabilitation, but she has received no therapy in over 10
years and only minimal nursing care.
Michael is now living with another woman, with whom has had a child. Terri’s family claims he wants Terri to die so he can receive the rest of the trust fund money. In addition, doctors other than those selected by Michael’s attorney, reviewed Terri’s medical records.
"It was found that a heart attack did not cause Terri’s collapse as everyone was led to believe. Rather, according to one physician, Terri may have been a strangulation victim," Pamela Hennessy, a representative of the family, told LifeNews.com.
If true, the allegations demand an investigation, Hennessy said.
Related web sites:
Terri Schiavo’s family – https://www.terrisfight.org
