Terri’s Family Doesn’t Like Guardian, Michael Will Talk to the Media
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
October 26, 2003
Pinellas Park, FL (LifeNews.com) — Terri Schiavo’s family has filed a motion asking that a new guardian appointed for Terri be dismissed. Meanwhile, Michael Schiavo, who has very rarely spoken with the media, plans make his views known on CNN’s "Larry King Live" on Monday night.
The Schindlers have filed a motion against the appointment of Dr. Jay Wolfson, a professor of health and law at Florida-based Stetson University. They say he should not be appointed because he has already made his opinion in the case known.
When the Florida legislature passed "Terri’s Law" allowing Governor Jeb Bush to ask doctors to reinsert the feeding tube, part of it allowed the appointment of an independent guardian for Terri.
However, the Schindlers and Michael have been unable to agree on one and Pinellas-Pasco Chief Judge David Demers said he would appoint one if both sides couldn’t reach an agreement within five days.
Wolfson would become Terri’s advocate in legal proceedings, but it is still unclear what the scope of his powers would be.
Meanwhile, Michael Schiavo will break his longstanding media silence with an appearance on the CNN program on Monday night at 9PM EST.
"I know he has a lot on his mind and a lot in his heart that he wants to share," his attorney, George Felos, told the Associated Press.
Felos said that with the next step of the legal battle likely taking a couple of weeks, Michael wanted to make his views known. According to Felos, Michael had wanted to wait until the end of the legal battle — or after Terri’s death — to express his views publicly.
Michael has been reticent to talk to the media during the long legal battle — preferring to let his outspoken attorney, known for his pro-assisted suicide views, speak for him.
Michael and Larry King will likely discuss Michael’s lawsuit to overturn Bush’s decision to allow doctors to reinsert Terri’s feeding tube.
Terri’s family is hopeful for a ruling in their favor
"Why should the sanctity of law be more important than the sanctity of life?" said Bob Schindler Jr., Terri Schiavo’s brother, on NBC’s "Today." "We’re hoping that based on that the legal team will hopefully rule in our favor, and help us get Terri to bring her home to her family."
Both sides will appear in court next Monday as Felos challenges Bush’s order. Florida Attorney General Charlie Crist is expected to file a response by next Friday.
Monsignor Thaddeus Malinowski, who has been the Schindlers’ spiritual advisor for the last five years, said the family will visit Terri late Sunday to pray with her. Michael Schiavo denied Malinowski the opportunity to provide Terri with what could have been her final communion had Bush not allowed the feeding tube to be reinserted.
