Originally Posted by Donnagg123

For those wondering why withold food and water when dying, I have information from my Nursing book as to why this is done:
"Contrary to earlier teaching, hydration is no longer advised when a terminally ill client facing imminent death is dehydrated. .... Witholding artificial hydration and nutrition from an individual in an irreversable coma (for example) does not bring on a destructive state but rather permits an already existing fatal condition to take its natural course. When death is imminent, the moral responsibility to prolong life is outweighed by not unnecessarily burdening the dying process".

Originally Posted by ntgsmommy

MYTH: Terri is PVS (Persistent vegetative state)
FACT: The definition of PVS in Florida Statue 765.101:
Persistent vegetative state means a permanent and irreversible condition of unconsciousness in which there is:

(a) The absence of voluntary action or cognitive behavior of ANY kind.
(b) An inability to communicate or interact purposefully with the environment.

Terri's behavior does not meet the medical or statutory definition of persistent vegetative state. Terri responds to stimuli, tries to communicate verbally, follows limited commands, laughs or cries in interaction with loved ones, physically distances herself from irritating or painful stimulation and watches loved ones as they move around her. None of these behaviors are simple reflexes and are, instead, voluntary and cognitive. Though Terri has limitations, she does interact purposefully with her environment.

Originally Posted by ntgsmommy

Terri Schiavo Is Very Much Alive And Responsive
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PINELLAS PARK, Fl (Christian Wire Service) -- Terri Schiavo is very much alive and responsive. That is what lawyers for Robert and Mary Schindler saw when they visited Terri Schiavo in her room at the Woodside Hospice in Pinellas Park, FL, on Christmas Eve.

Attorney David Gibbs III and Attorney Barbara Weller, of Gibbs Law Firm in Seminole, FL, took on the role of lead counsel for the Schindlers in September of 2004. The Christmas Eve visit was the first time either of the attorneys had been able to see Terri since taking the case. They made the visit with Terri's parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, and members of her immediate family.

Counsel was able to personally verify the fact that Terri is not in a coma or even in a comatose state. She was purposefully interactive, curious and expressive with her parents during the entire 45-minute visit. Mrs. Weller wrote a moving narrative describing in detail her reactions and observations during this visit. (Mrs. Weller's narrative is available online at http://www.terrisfight.org/press/BJWnarrative.html.)