Disability Activists Mourn for Terri Schiavo, Call for Action

For more information: Diane Coleman or Stephen Drake (708) 209-1500 exts. 11 & 29
708-420-0539 (cell)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 31, 2005 -- The disability community joins Robert and Mary Schindler in mourning over the death of their daughter, Terri Schiavo. In spite of the work of a broad-based array of supporters, the efforts to prevent Terri Schiavo's death through starvation and dehydration ultimately failed.

Even as we mourn, we renew our resolve to continue the battle to promote meaningful safeguards for the thousands of disabled Americans who, like Terri Schiavo, have guardians making life-and-death decisions on their behalf. The dangers to people with disabilities did not begin with the publicized tragedy of Terri Schiavo and they do not end with her death.

We need to work together in a nonpartisan way to ensure meaningful support, legal safeguards, and access to medical care for the millions of old, ill and disabled Americans who are endangered on many fronts.

Read What The Disability Community Wants
Eight things that need to happen to safeguard
against non-voluntary euthanasia in the U.S.

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