Statement on S. 686
Statement by the Press Secretary
On Monday, March 21, 2005, the President signed into law:
S. 686, which provides that the United States District Court for the
Middle District of Florida shall have jurisdiction to hear, determine,
and render judgment on a suit or claim by or on behalf of Theresa Marie
Schiavo for the alleged violation of any right of Theresa Marie Schiavo
under the Constitution or laws of the United States relating to the
withholding or withdrawal of food, fluids, or medical treatment
necessary to sustain her life; provides that any parent of Theresa Marie
Schiavo shall have standing to bring a suit under the Act; and
establishes other procedures for a suit under the Act.
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