The case of Terri Schiavo is a serious miscarriage of justice and a denial of her right to life.  Circuit Court Judge George Greer has ignored the evidence in making his ruling that Terri's feeding tube be removed.  His justification for removing her feeding tube is the contention that Terri is unconscious and in a "persistent vegetative state" coupled with her husband Michael Schiavo's claim that she expressed to him her wish not to be kept alive artificially in such a condition.

How could Judge Greer ignore videos that show Terri responding to her doctor and her parents?  These interactions captured on video show Terri's ability to communicate.  She is clearly neither unconscious nor in a "persistent vegetative state".  Terri's parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, have testified that Terri has communicated her desire to live. 

How could Judge Greer ignore the inconsistent actions of Michael Schiavo?  Michael maintained his desire to care for Terri and seek rehabilitative care for her while he pursued a malpractice lawsuit based on her medical condition.  As soon as the lawsuit settlement money was in the bank, he refused to allow any rehabilitative treatments for Terri. 

How could Judge Greer ignore the conflict of interest that Michael Schiavo has in demanding removal of Terri's feeding tube to cause her death?  Michael is engaged to be married to a woman he now lives with.  They already have two children, one of them not yet born.

How could Judge Greer ignore the testimony of doctors that Terri would benefit from rehabilitative treatments and that attempts to train her to take food and water by mouth would probably be successful?  Even if some medical experts disagree with these assessments, should not action to preserve life be given priority?  What could be lost by trying rehabilitative treatments for a period of time?  The results would demonstrate which medical experts were correct.

Failure to protect Terri's right to life under these circumstances is unconscionable and outrageous.  Illinois Right to Life condemns the actions of everyone who has taken a part in denying Terri's right to life and demanding that she suffer a cruel death by starvation and dehydration.  Terri will suffer this injustice and cruelty for 10 to 14 days.