ACLJ Calls on Congress and Florida Legislature to Act Quickly on Behalf of Terri Schiavo

March 17, 2005

(Washington, DC) - The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) is urging Congress and the Florida legislature to act quickly on behalf of Terri Schiavo who is scheduled to have her feeding tube removed tomorrow.  The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a measure protecting Terri and a similar bill is now being considered in the U.S. Senate.  In Florida, efforts continue to reach agreement on legislation in both the state House and Senate.

It is clear the legal options available to Terri are dwindling and we are hopeful that a legislative remedy can be found to keep Terri alive," said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ, which represented Mary and Robert Schindler Terris parents at the Supreme Court in their efforts to defend the previous Florida legislation that was declared unconstitutional.  We will file briefs on behalf of lawmakers in support of any legislation that becomes law and is challenged in court.  We believe that a constitutional law can be passed to save Terri.  We have heard from nearly 40,000 people across America who support Terri and want to see the Florida legislature act quickly in this matter.  If Terri's feeding and hydration tube is removed tomorrow, she will begin a slow and painful death -- something that is not only inhumane but unconscionable.

A Florida court has ordered removal of Terri's feeding tube at 1:00pm ET tomorrow. 

Led by Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice focuses on constitutional law and the protection of human life and is based in Washington, D.C.