February 6, 2009

Terri’s Foundation Denounces President of Italy’s Refusal to Sign Decree Stopping Eluana Englaro Death by Dehydration

ST. PETERSBURG, FL, Feb. 6 / - In spite of an emergency decree passed by the Italian government, Italian President, Giorgio Napolitano refused to sign the decree that would save the life of Eluana Englaro, the young woman whose food and hydration has apparently been removed. The ratification by the President is required under Italy’s parliamentary system for the law to take effect.

Eluana Englaro has been receiving food and water via a feeding tube since a 1992 car crash that left her with a brain injury. Her father, Beppino Englaro, has been seeking to end her life for nearly 10 years. Today’s events will clear the way for Eluana to experience a barbaric and inhumane death by starvation and dehydration unless President Napolitano signs this decree into law.

“We are very disappointed to hear that President Napolitano is reluctant to sign the decree that would spare Eluana from a horrific death,” noted Schiavo’s brother, Bobby Schindler

Schindler added, “It is incumbent upon any official to protect and safeguard the value and dignity of all life, regardless of a person’s physical limitations. Eluana is not dying and only needs food and water – the most basic care – to live. This at the very least should be provided for her and we are asking for everyone to contact the Embassy of Italy in the US at (202) 612-4400, and communicate to the President of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano that he should IMMEDIATELY sign the decree which would prevent Eluana’s inhuman dehydration death.”

Terri’s Foundation, located in St. Petersburg, FL., is an organization dedicated to promoting the Culture of Life, embracing the true meaning of compassion by opposing the practice of euthanasia.