WASHINGTON - US President George W. Bush on Thursday offered his condolences to Terri Schiavo's family after the severely brain-damaged Florida woman died following a long and acrimonious legal battle over her fate.
"Today, millions of Americans are saddened by the death of Terri Schiavo. Laura and I extend our condolences to Terri Schiavo's family. I appreciate the example of grace and dignity they have displayed at a difficult time," he said.
"I urge all those who honor Terri Schiavo to continue to work to build a culture of life where all Americans are welcomed and valued and protected, especially those who live at the mercy of others," the president said.
The parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, and husband, Michael Schiavo, fought in court for more than seven years over whether the stricken woman, who suffered crippling brain damage following heart failure 15 years ago, should be left to die.
Doctors said Schiavo was in a "persistent vegetative state" and Michael Schiavo said his wife had asked not to be left in such a condition. The parents said she could improve with proper treatment.
"The essence of civilization is that the strong have a duty to protect the weak. In cases where there are serious doubts and questions, the presumption should be in the favor of life," said Bush.
But Schiavo's feeding tube was removed on March 18, following a court order, and the Schindlers' sixth and final appeal to the US Supreme Court had been rejected only a few hours before the death.
In the days after tube was removed, the US Congress passed a special law in a bid to save Schiavo, and Bush had hurried to Washington from his Texas ranch to sign the bill in a show of support for the campaign.
03/31/2005 16:52 GMT