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In Florida, Majority Backs Judges On Schiavo Case
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in Florida believe the decision to remove a feeding tube from a woman who suffered brain damage was correct, according to a poll by Strategic Vision. 61 per cent of respondents in the Sunshine State support the order.
Over the past two years, Americans became familiar with the case of Terri Schiavo, a Florida woman who suffered severe brain damage in 1990 after a heart stoppage. Husband Michael claims his spouse never intended to be kept alive artificially. Terri's parents say their daughter did not leave written instructions or articulate those wishes.
In 2003, Terri Schiavo went without food and water for six days after a court allowed Mr. Schiavo to withdraw a feeding tube. A statute—dubbed "Terri's Law"—allowed Florida governor Jeb Bush the authority to have the feeding tube reinserted. The Florida Supreme Court later struck down the law.
On Mar. 18, following an order by Pinellas-Pasco Circuit judge George Greer, Terri Schiavo's feeding tube was removed again. On Mar. 20, the United States House of Representatives passed emergency legislation after a 203-58 vote. The law—signed by U.S. president George W. Bush—transfers jurisdiction in the case to a federal judge for review.
On Mar 21, Bush defended his decision, saying, "This is a complex case with serious issues. But in extraordinary circumstances like this, it is wise to always err on the side of life." 64 per cent of respondents disapprove of the Congress and president intervening in the Terri Schiavo case.
Yesterday, federal judge James Whittemore denied the emergency request to reinsert the feeding tube, saying the woman's "life and liberty interests were adequately protected by the extensive process provided in the state courts." Attorneys for Terri Schiavo's parents filed an appeal at Georgia's U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. 81 per cent of respondents would not want to be kept alive if they were in a state similar to Schiavo's.
Polling Data
Do you support the decision to remove Terri Schiavo's feeding tube?
Yes | 61% |
No | 30% |
Undecided | 9% |
Do you approve or disapprove of the Congress and president intervening in the Terri Schiavo case?
Support | 33% |
Oppose | 64% |
Undecided | 3% |
Would you want to be kept alive if you were in a state similar to Terri Schiavo's?
Yes | 13% |
No | 81% |
Undecided | 6% |
Source: Strategic Vision
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 800 registered Florida voters, conducted from Mar. 18 to Mar. 20, 2005. Margin of error is 3 per cent.
