Movement in Florida Legislature on Behalf of Terri Schiavo

I am conducting a conference call this afternoon with my senior attorneys to determine how we should respond when legislation aimed at saving the life of Terri Schiavo is passed and signed into law in Florida and is challenged in court.

I am encouraged by the reports I am getting from Drew Ryun, our Director of Governmental Affairs, who is in Florida meeting with members of the state legislature.  As I reported on my radio broadcast today, both the House and Senate in Florida are moving forward with legislation designed to prevent the removal of a feeding and hydration tube in a person who has not given written instructions concerning a living will.  That is the case with Terri Schiavo and the court-ordered removal of her feeding tube is still set for Friday.

I am optimistic that the Florida legislature will move rapidly and approve legislation within the next day or so.  Then it will go to Governor Bush for his signature.  The moment the legislation becomes law, we expect legal challenges.  And, now I am discussing with our senior staff the best way to respond to those challenges.  Florida attorney David Gibbs, who is representing Terri's parents in this ordeal, is doing a remarkable job.  Please continue to pray for him and our legal team as developments unfold.

As events move rapidly, there could be an appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States.  And I am instructing our senior legal team in Washington to be prepared to file briefs in support of Terri at a moment's notice.  I also know that members of the Florida legislature are very pleased with the response from you - more than 30,000 people have now responded to our petition - urging legislation action on behalf of Terri.  There's still time to sign the petition and if you haven't done so yet, I encourage you to do that now.