ACLJ to File Briefs in Further Appeals in Terri Schiavo Case -- Renews Call for Florida Legislature and Governor to Act.

WASHINGTON -- The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), which specializes in constitutional law, said today it is filing additional briefs on behalf of Rep. Dave Weldon (R-FL) - one of the chief sponsors of Terri's Law - urging the full panel of the federal appeals court and ultimately the Supreme Court to restore the feeding tube to Terri Schiavo. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit rejected Terri's parents appeal. A request could be made asking the full panel of the appeals court to rehear the case. That could occur before the Supreme Court is asked to get involved in the case.

"We are preparing briefs for the federal appeals court and ultimately for the Supreme Court," said Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the ACLJ, which represented Mary and Robert Schindler - Terri's parents - at the Supreme Court in their efforts to defend the previous Florida legislation that was declared unconstitutional. "While the federal appeals court decision rejecting the appeal of Terri's parents is disappointing, there are still legal options available. We will continue to file briefs in support of Terri while at the same time urge the Florida legislature and the Florida Governor to stepin and take action to save Terri. We call on the Florida legislature to take legislative action that the Governor can implement to save the life of Terri. Time is of the essence and the time for action in Florida is now."

The ACLJ filed its brief with the federal appeals court yesterday on behalf of itself and Congressman Weldon. The brief argues: "To delay is to sentence Terri to an inhumane death. An injunction can always be reversed. But this Court has no power to resurrect the dead...This court should grant immediate relief, restoring food and fluids to Terri Schiavo."

The brief asserts that "if she were a cat or dog, her death by starvation and dehydration would not be tolerated." The brief adds that "if she were a convicted felon, her death by starvation and dehydration would not be tolerated."

The ACLJ will continue to file briefs in the case and has heard from more than 50,000 people nationwide who support Terri and her parents and urge lawmakers to find a legislative solution to keep Terri alive.

Led by Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow, the American Center for Law and Justice specializes in constitutional law and the protection of human life and is based in Washington, D.C. and is online at www.aclj.org.