STARVATION: DAY 6
State could rescue Terri
despite judge's denial
Florida Department of Children and Families says law permits action without judicial OK

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Posted: March 23, 2005
3:06 p.m. Eastern
 

© 2005 WorldNetDaily.com
 

The Florida judge who has consistently ruled against efforts to keep Terri Schiavo alive has said no to an effort by the state's Department of Children and Families to rescue the brain-injured woman by physically removing her, but a department spokeswoman says the state agency still could take action without judicial approval.

Pinellas Circuit Court Judge George Greer said the state cannot take Schiavo into custody, nor provide her food or water.

WFLA Radio in Tampa says the ruling will likely be appealed.

The possible "rescue" scenario emerged today with Schiavo now in her sixth day without food or water.

Florida's DCF indicated it might remove the brain-injured woman, by force if necessary, from the hospice where she has lived the past five years.

 

Department secretary Lucy Hadi told the Palm Beach Post her staff is relying on a state law giving authority to intervene on behalf of a vulnerable adult "suffering from abuse or neglect that presents a risk of death or serious physical injury."

Schiavo's feeding tube was removed Friday by a court order requested by her husband, Michael Schiavo, who contends Terri had expressed a wish to not live under her present condition. Parents Robert and Mary Schindler dispute the court's finding that their daughter is in a "persistent vegetative state," citing numerous physicians who believe she is responsive and could benefit from therapy.