Terri Schiavo autopsy

[gardener]

Buried deep in the 16 April issue of the NY Times is a brief story about Terri Schaivo’s autopsy. I find the word “clear” in the first sentence irresponsible journalism, as is the failure of the paper to let us read at least parts of the documents.

Report on Schiavo Finds No Abuse
By BENEDICT CAREY

State investigators in Florida have found no clear evidence that Terri Schiavo was denied rehabilitation, neglected or otherwise abused, according to documents released yesterday by the state's Department of Children and Families.

The agency completed nine reports of abuse accusations made from 2001 to 2004, including neglect of hygiene, denial of dental care, poisoning and physical harm. The accusations, which have been widely reported, focus on Michael Schiavo, the husband of Terri. Ms. Schiavo died on March 31, nearly two weeks after her feeding tube was removed.

The names of many accusers have been blacked out in the documents, but the name of Ms. Schiavo's father, Robert Schindler, appears on one.

Judge George W. Greer of Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Court, who has presided over the dispute between Ms. Schiavo's parents and her husband over her care, ordered the agency to make the documents public before Monday.

Lawyers for Mr. Schiavo and Ms. Schiavo's parents did not return calls seeking comment.

[TDPurcell]

The use of the term "clear evidence" is likely taken directly from the investigator's reports, and is probably the standard they use in evaluating cases.

[gardener]

The use of the term "clear evidence" is likely taken directly from the investigator's reports, and is probably the standard they use in evaluating cases.

You're probably right. I do want to see the reports. There are some odd things about this story. It was very hard to look up on the NYT website...It came up only under "health," not "national/" And the paper listed no author.On the web it was signed Drew Benedict. I've had some experience with the NYT in the past. This puzzles me.

[gardener]

The use of the term "clear evidence" is likely taken directly from the investigator's reports, and is probably the standard they use in evaluating cases.

You're probably right. I do want to see the reports. There are some odd things about this story. It was very hard to look up on the NYT website...It came up only under "health," not "national/" And the paper listed no author.On the web it was signed Drew Benedict. I've had some experience with the NYT in the past. This puzzles me.