Dear John,

I hope you and your family had a wonderful Easter!

As you know, Easter fell on March 31 this year. That day also marked the 19th anniversary of Terri Schiavo’s death.

Perhaps you remember the story: 

Terri was a young woman who suffered a sudden cardiac event and went into a coma in 1990. For the next 15 years, she would be dependent on a feeding tube to survive. From 1998 until her death in 2005, her parents fought to preserve her life even while her husband sought to have doctors end her life by removing her feeding tube.

The deeply tragic and personal story quickly became an international controversy. 

People began to have serious conversations about euthanasia and the right to life. Some argued that Terri’s feeding tube should be removed because the coma had impacted her quality of life so much. Others argued that every human life is sacred, no matter the circumstances, and that removing her means of sustenance would be the same as murder.

Ultimately, the courts ruled in favor of Terri’s husband. Her feeding tube was removed, and she died of starvation and dehydration almost two weeks later, on March 31, 2005.

Here at Oregon Right to Life, we believe in the sanctity of human life from the moment of conception until natural death. We oppose all cases of euthanasia, whereby a person is deliberately killed through direct action or omission, even if that act is by their permission. Examples of euthanasia include allowing disabled newborns to die of routinely treatable medical conditions, withholding food or water from the comatose, or lethally injecting a terminally ill patient. 

Today, Terri Schiavo’s legacy continues to challenge all of us and inspire pro-life advocates nationwide to stand up for all vulnerable human beings: from the preborn baby, to the elderly person with a terminal diagnosis, to the young woman in a coma.

“No judge should have the power to order the death of a weak and helpless human being — in or out of the womb,” said Cathy Cleaver Ruse, Esq., of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops shortly after Terri’s death. 

“May the soul of Terri Schiavo rest in peace,” she said.

John, by being a part of the pro-life movement, you have the opportunity to be a voice for people like Terri who can’t speak on their own behalf. Thank you for all you do to protect the most vulnerable!

Because everyone deserves an advocate,

Lois Anderson
Executive Director

PS. Did you know that 12 incredible young people took part in our annual pro-life leadership retreat for students last week? At Launch, our students learned how to have effective conversations about crucial issues like abortion and euthanasia. Read more about their experiences here.