It’s been two decades since Terri Schiavo’s tragic passing, a case that sparked nationwide debates and left a lasting imprint on the issue of life and human dignity.
As we approach the 20th anniversary of her death on March 31, 2005, her brother, Bobby Schindler, continues to reflect on the painful events that led to her untimely demise.
A Heartbreaking Loss and Injustice
For Schindler, thinking about those days never gets easier.
In a recent interview with “EWTN News Nightly” anchor Tracy Sabol, he openly shared the enduring emotional weight of witnessing his sister’s death.
“It was a terribly unjust and inhumane death,” Schindler said, recounting how his sister was deprived of the most basic human needs—food and hydration.
Terri Schiavo had been in a persistent vegetative state due to a brain injury, and a feeding tube was used to provide her with food and water.
However, it was removed, leading to a slow and agonizing process of dehydration and starvation.
Schindler passionately stated, “The only thing keeping her alive was food and hydration. We all need those things to live.”
A Call for Change in How We View Basic Care
Reflecting on the manner in which his sister died, Schindler couldn’t help but compare the tragic situation to something even more distressing: “If we did that to an animal, it would be considered criminal,” he noted.
This heartbreaking experience motivated Schindler to take action.
He established the Terri Schiavo Life and Hope Network to advocate for those who find themselves in situations similar to what his family endured.
A Mission for Human Dignity and Support
The network, founded in the wake of Schiavo’s death, is dedicated to upholding human dignity, especially for those who are medically vulnerable.
Schindler’s organization offers support and advocacy for families in crisis, ensuring they have access to the care they need.
One key focus of the network is public advocacy for the essential qualities of human dignity, including the right to food and water, protection from euthanasia, and access to rehabilitative care.
Reframing the Conversation Around Feeding Tubes
The Terri Schiavo Life and Hope Network also strongly believes that food and water, including those provided through a feeding tube, should be regarded as “basic and ordinary care.”
Currently, feeding tubes are often considered “medical treatment” or associated with end-of-life issues.
Schindler and his team argue that this view needs to change, as food and water are fundamental human needs, not forms of medical intervention.
Through his work, Schindler continues to honor his sister’s memory and fight for the rights of vulnerable individuals facing similar circumstances.
The lessons learned from Terri Schiavo’s case continue to drive the conversation on human dignity and the sanctity of life.