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What they're saying

By Times Staff Writer
Published March 18, 2005

TERRI SCHIAVO: DECISION DAY Main story Support of life draws protesters to Schiavo Postcards offend some Schiavo neighbors Schiavo bill loses GOP backers What they're saying As emotions build, time ticks closer Related story: Hard decisions, out of the spotlight

What are your thoughts? Sign our guestbook Related 10 News video: Efforts to prevent the death of Terri Schiavo hit roadblock

[Times photo: Scott Keeler] A group of women hold a prayer vigil at Michael Schiavo's Clearwater home.

"I just don't think this body has the right to go back and undo a court decision that was well founded and upheld several times on appeal. ... I have to follow the law and my conscience."

- STATE REP. EVERETT RICE, R-Treasure Island, on why he voted against the Schiavo bill.

"If the public policy reflected in our laws allows the government to order the death of a mentally disabled person, to be starved to death, then that law is defective."

- STATE REP. DENNIS BAXLEY, R-Ocala, who sponsored the House bill.

"I didn't ask any member to vote for this bill - it's a personal decision. When it comes to this, it's strictly a personal issue. And I won't be asking the Senate to do anything."

- FLORIDA HOUSE SPEAKER ALLAN BENSE, R-Panama City.

"I believe in the sanctity of human life. I think most of us feel in good conscience we can't just sit by and allow this innocent woman to be starved to death."

- U.S. SEN. GEORGE ALLEN, R-Virginia.

"I'm troubled at the prospect of setting a precedent that is going to have the Congress in effect playing medical czar in case after case."

- U.S. SEN. RON WYDEN, D-Oregon.

"If we don't act or if somebody does not act, a living person who has a level of consciousness, who is self-breathing will be starved to death here in the next two weeks."

- SENATE MAJORITY LEADER BILL FRIST, a Tennessee Republican and surgeon.

[Last modified March 18, 2005, 00:44:06]