Defined by Her Dying, Not Her Death: The Guardian ad Litem's View of Schiavo

ABSTRACT

One of the most controversial legal and political events in the death of Theresa Marie Schiavo was the passage, by the Florida Legislature, of what become known as “Terri's Law,” allowing the Florida Governor to replace her feeding and hydration tube, and requiring the appointment of a special guardian ad litem who reported to the Governor and the courts. In this article, that appointed guardian ad litem shares distinctive experiences and observations about artificial nutrition and hydration and about other related circumstances in Ms. Schiavo's case.

I served as the court appointed, special guardian ad litem to Theresa Schiavo, reporting to the Florida Governor and the courts.