Judie Brown, president of American Life League, issued the following statement in response to the news of the death of Theresa Schindler Schiavo:
"It is with great sadness that we reflect upon the death of Terri Schiavo, an innocent victim of a heinous crime. She was unjustly sentenced to die an excruciatingly painful death by starvation and dehydration. Words cannot express the inhumanity of the actions taken against Terri.
"Despite what was played out in the news media, Terri Schiavo was not a 'vegetable,' nor was she 'terminally ill.' Numerous medical professionals, including neurologists, attested to this truth. Before her feeding tube was so callously removed, Terri functioned as a living, breathing, human person who simply received her nutrition and hydration by different means than most people. These differences did not warrant the violence imposed upon Terri through the cruel and misguided desires of persons who wished to expedite her death.
"The citizens of this country and beyond should be outraged at the process that led to Terri's painful death. Terri's human rights were trampled as she was forced to die in a manner deemed inhumane for even an animal. The entire chain of events was deplorable and avoidable.
"It is our sincere hope that this tragedy will serve as an impetus for an awakening in this nation. We pray that the wrongs that were forced upon Terri will help people to recognize the undeniable right to life of every human person, regardless of their perceived condition. The truly frightening aspect of Terri's death is that it sets a precedent that can be used to impose a similar fate on other innocent, disabled human beings. Today's victim is Terri Schiavo. Who's next?
"We pray that Our Lord will comfort the Schindler family and all those who mourn Terri's death. May God bless Terri Schiavo, her family and all who stand for the rights of those who cannot speak for themselves."
Release issued: 31 Mar 05
