Remembering When Jesse Jackson Opposed Euthanizing Terri Schiavo

I saw Dan’s comment on the repose of Jesse Jackson. I think he left a mixed legacy (don’t we all?), but I will always be grateful to him for lending his full-throated support to the Schindler family in opposition to the dehydration of Terri Schiavo — proving that those who worked so hard to save her life were not just religious conservatives. (Ralph Nader also opposed the dehydration publicly.) Jackson even traveled to Florida to literally stand shoulder to shoulder with Terri’s family.

Terri’s brother Bobby Schindler issued the following statement of appreciation and mourning in the wake of Jackson’s death:

My family is saddened to learn of the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson. During the final days of my sister Terri Schiavo in March 2005, Rev. Jackson joined our family at the hospice facility in Pinellas Park, Florida, to offer his prayers and support.

At a time of deep sorrow and intense national attention, his presence brought encouragement and reminded us — and the country — that Terri’s life had inherent dignity and worth.

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He also reached out to Jeb Bush, who was the Governor of Florida at the time, urging him to intervene and stop what was happening to Terri. Rev. Jackson stood publicly with our family during Terri’s unjust and inhumane death.

We remain grateful for his compassion, courage, and willingness to stand with us during those painful two weeks. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and to all who mourn his passing.

May Jackson’s righteousness in that just cause redound to his eternal benefit.

LifeNews.com Note: Wesley J. Smith, J.D., is a special consultant to the Center for Bioethics and Culture and a bioethics attorney who blogs at Human Exeptionalism.

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