Responses to the Death of Eluana Englaro

Responses to the Death of Eluana Englaro

The sudden death of Eluana Englaro, "Italy's Terri Schiavo" has sent shock waves throughout Europe. The battle to save her life was raging in the Italian Parliament with the Prime Minister having passed a cabinet measure to save her but the President refusing to sign the bill.

The announcement was made by Italy's Health Minister on the floor of the Italian Senate, which was debating a bill that would have saved Englaro's life.

Although no cause of death has been announced, earlier news reports indicated that Englaro's intake of nutrients was being replaced with a heavy dose of sedatives.  Palliative medication in high doses can cause a patient to die prematurely.

The news follows public statements by Englaro's physician that she has enjoyed almost perfect physical health during the 16 years following her car accident in 1992, which left her bedridden and in a minimal state of consciousness.  She was 38 years old.  (from LifeSiteNews.com)

Terri's Family Deeply Saddened by the Death of Eluana Englaro

The family of Terri Schindler Schiavo wishes to express their grief for Eluana, her family, and all of Italy on this very sad day.

Pope John Paul II said that, "we must save ourselves from sinking into a 'culture of death.'"

"Sadly, Eluana's death again reminds us of the pope's words. Withholding her food and water - her most basic care - so that she would die, is really about us and how we are going to care for those who need our love and compassion to live", said Bobby' Schindler, Terri Schiavo's brother.

The Schindler family urges everyone to keep Eluana's entire family in their prayers in the wake of this tragedy.  (click here for more)

Response from the Pontifical Council of Health Care

Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan, the President of the Pontifical Council of Health Care, reacted to the news of Eluana's death, praying, "May the Lord welcome her and forgive those who led her there (to her death)."

The Vatican prelate also emphasized that "it must be seen under what circumstances the death occurred, whether it was because of the suspension of food and hydration, or by various causes." (click here for more)

Source: LifeSiteNews, Catholic News Agency, Terri Shindler Schiavo Foundation
Source URL: http://www.lifesitenews.com  http://www.catholicnewsagency.com  http://www.terrisfight.org
Publish Date: February 10, 2009
Link to this article:
http://www.ifrl.org/ifrl/news/090210_3.htm