Murder Most Foul

By DJ Drummond ~ March 16th, 2005 @ 7:54 pm

Want to get really, really angry?

Read this column in ‘National Review Online’, which was highlighted today by Hugh Hewitt.

Some key points:

According to Reverend Johansen, Terry Schiavo has never been given an MRI or a PET.

David Gibbs, attorney for the Schindlers [Terri Schiavo’s parents], submitted 33 affidavits from doctors and other medical professionals contending that Terri’s condition should be reevaluated. About 15 of these affidavits are from board-certified neurologists. Judge Greer refused to even read the submitted affidavits.

Reverend Johansen says “Terri has had no attempts at therapy or rehabilitation since 1992, and very little had been done up to that point. Terri has not even had the physical therapy most doctors would regard as normative for someone in her condition. The result is that Terri suffers from severe muscle contractures, which have caused her body to become contorted. Physical therapy could remedy this, but husband Michael has refused to provide it.

“Terri has also suffered from what many professionals would regard as neglect. She had to have several teeth extracted last year because of severe decay. This decay was caused by a lack of basic dental hygiene, such as tooth-brushing. She also developed decubitus (skin) ulcers on her buttocks and thighs. These ulcers can be prevented by a simple regimen of regular turning: a basic nursing task that any certified nurse’s aide can perform. The presence of these easily preventable ulcers is a classic sign of neglect. Bob and Mary Schindler have repeatedly complained of Terri’s neglect, and have sought to remove Michael as guardian on that basis. Judge Greer was unmoved by those complaints as well.”

Judge Greer ruled, as a finding of “fact”, that Terri‘s condition is “Persistent Vegetative State” (PVS), based solely on the statements of Michael Schiavo. Reverend Johansen says he has found over 30 board-certifified neurologists who are willing to testify that they have “grave doubts” with a ‘PVS’ diagnosis, and that Terri should re reexamined.

Read the whole thing. But get ready to be furious, because what you will read is nothing short of conspiracy to commit murder.