Ryan Votes to Give Terri Schiavo Opportunity for Federal Court Review and Chance for Life
March 21, 2005

WASHINGTON - Congressman Paul Ryan today voted in favor of legislation (S. 686) that will allow Terri Schiavo's parents to have a federal court review whether her constitutional rights have been violated and, in doing so, respect her fundamental right to life. The House passed this legislation by a vote of 203-58. It has already cleared the Senate.

Congressman Ryan made the following statement after the vote:

"A core purpose of our government is to defend the lives of its citizens, including those who are severely disabled. Terri Schiavo deserves this protection and, at the very least, her parents deserve the right to ask a federal court to review their daughter's tragic case and consider whether her rights are being upheld."

"Terri Schiavo is not being kept alive by extraordinary means. She is brain damaged and needs help taking in food and drink. And she would not be undergoing a 'dying process' if her food and water were not being withheld. Her life is precious and her rights - and her parents' rights - should be respected."

http://www.house.gov/ryan/press_releases/2005pressreleases/32105schiavo.html