OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

For the Relief of the Parents of Theresa Marie Schiavo

Date: March 20, 2005
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Health and Health Care


FOR THE RELIEF OF THE PARENTS OF THERESA MARIE SCHIAVO -- (House of Representatives - March 20, 2005)

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Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, our goal must be to honor the wishes of Theresa Schiavo regarding this difficult end-of-life decision.

We are a nation of laws. That is what distinguishes our country from so many others. In this case, the courts of the State of Florida have thoroughly reviewed the facts of this case and weighed the evidence about what Theresa Schiavo would want. They have concluded that Theresa Schiavo, through her words and deeds before her accident, would not want to be kept artificially alive in a persistent vegetative state.

The Congress should not now substitute its judgment for that of Theresa Schiavo and the Florida courts. Who are we to impose our own personal preferences in this case? We should not be playing doctor, judge, and jury.

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