UPDATE: Full Appeals Court Rejects Terri Schiavo Case - Case Now Goes to Supreme Court

The full panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit has turned down a request for the parents of Terri Schiavo to order reinsertion of the feeding tube.  I am disappointed the full panel rejected the appeal.  Now, attorneys for Terri's parents will appeal directly to the Supreme Court of the United States.

With legal options dwindling, the focal point is also on the Florida legislature, where the state Senate is considering emergency legislation to save Terri's life.  At the same time, Florida Governor Bush just concluded a news conference where he said he is working with state legislature to do everything possible to keep Terri alive.  He said there is new medical evidence to suggest that Terri is not in a persistent vegitative state, as the Florida courts have concluded.  He wants a new investigation and he said the prayers and petitions from people across the country are being heard and are making a difference.  I want to thank the more than 55,000 people who signed our petition urging the lawmakers and Governor to take life-saving action. 

The Terri Schiavo case is at a critical crossroads.  She has now been without nutrition and hydration for six days.  Her parents say she is failing quickly.  I am working with our legal and legislative teams to do everything we can to ensure that Terri remains alive.

I will keep you posted as developments unfold.