NAPA, Calif., This year marks 6 years since the tragic and untimely death of Terri Schindler Schiavo by dehydration and starvation at the hands of her husband. Life Legal Defense Foundation's Board of Directors and staff want to honor Terri's memory by once again remembering Terri on the anniversary of her death, March 31. We will never forget Terri, nor will we forget her family's valiant efforts to save her life.
Life Legal was privileged to assist the Schindler family in the fight for Terri's life and as the years go by we continue to receive calls from families in similar situations. Life Legal Defense Foundation Board Member, attorney Brian Chavez Ochoa, litigated one such case on behalf of Suzanne Emrich. Mr. Ochoa filed a petition that requested the court order nutrition and hydration restored to Ms. Emrich's cousin, Janet Rivera, who for nine days was denied food and fluids. The petition was granted, and Ms. Rivera's life was saved.
Some of the referrals Life Legal receives come from The Life and Hope Network, formerly the Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation. Terri's brother, Bobby Schindler, who continues to fight forced death to honor Terri's memory said recently of LLDF:
"On behalf of my family, our sincere thanks go out to Life Legal Defense Foundation for their efforts recognizing that all life, regardless of age, illness or disability, has inherent worth and is deemed sacred in the eyes of God. May you continue with your vital work defending our most vulnerable brothers and sisters."
It bears repeating that one of the lessons learned from Terri's case is that should you become incapacitated by illness or disability, the person who is your decision-maker could mean the difference between life and death. We encourage you to honor Terri's memory by protecting yourself with a written statement of your wishes should you become incapacitated. Please visit Life Legal Defense Foundation's website and review the pro-life Advance Medical Directive and other resources available for your protection.
