MIAMI, Oct 21 (AFP) - The Florida Supreme Court Thursday rejected a request by Governor Jeb Bush to reconsider its decision to strike down a law aimed at keeping a severely brain-damaged woman alive through a feeding tube.
The ruling confirms the court's decision issued in September which declared that state lawmakers exceeded their authorities when they passed a law that forced doctors to reconnect Terri Schiavo's feeding tube six days after it was pulled out at her husband's request.
The state governor, a brother of US President George W. Bush, had asked the justices to reconsider their decision, but the court Thursday rejected that request.
Jeb Bush, who staunchly opposes euthanasia, had played a key role in getting the Republican-dominated state legislature to pass "Terri's law" a year ago. The law authorized Bush to overrule a judge's decision that allowed removal of the feeding tube that kept Schiavo alive.
Schiavo has been hospitalized for 14 years -- since suffering a heart attack -- in what medical experts have called a vegetative state with no hope of recovery.
Her case has attracted national attention as her husband Michael wants her to be allowed to die with dignity but her parents, Robert and Mary Schindler, are fighting to keep her alive.
The Schindlers say Schiavo has given signs of consciousness, and insist that she could recover with proper treatment.
Thursday's ruling should clear the way for the feeding tube to be removed, though Bush could still take the case to the US Supreme Court.
10/21/2004 19:40 GMT - AFP