Brother of Terri Schiavo stands with Baby Tinslee

On December 19, 2019, Bobby Schindler, the brother of Terri Schiavo, spoke out in support of Tinslee Lewis, a 10-month-old born with a congenital heart disease. Following the imposed death of his sister in 2005, Schindler founded the Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network, to stand up for vulnerable patients like Terri, and like Tinslee.

“For the past 15 years we have been advocating for families in similar situations as Tinslee Lewis after hospital clinicians decide to stop treatment – not because of a terminal illness – but based on a one-sided “quality of life” determinations,” Schindler said. “In fact, we are seeing an alarming number of similar types of conflicts occurring across our nation’s healthcare. A patient ought to have access to basic life-sustaining treatment, rather than battling hospitals incentivized to remove wanted and efficacious treatment. The Texas 10-Day Rule has become a weapon for institutions to devalue people with illnesses and disabilities like my sister, Terri Schiavo. Texas should repeal the 10-Day Rule, rule the law unconstitutional and protect Tinslee – and all patients – right to receive life-affirming care.”

Governor Abbott must call a special session of the Texas Legislature to end the deadly 10-Day Rule, protect Baby Tinslee, and make sure no family suffers like Tinslee’s family and Terri’s family have ever again.