Here is President Bush's statement today following the tragc death of Terri Schiavo.
Today millions of Americans are saddened by the death of Terri Schiavo. Laura and I extend our condolences to Terri Schiavo's families. I appreciate the example of grace and dignity they have displayed at a difficult time. 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 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.
The Catholic Church reacted strongly as well.
A spokesman for the Vatican criticized the manner in which Terri Schiavo died Thursday.Posted by Alan at March 31, 2005 06:32 PM"The circumstances of the death of Mrs. Terri Schiavo have rightly disturbed consciences," Joachin Navarro-Valls said. "Her death was arbitrarily hastened, because feeding a person can never be considered excessive therapy."
"There are no doubts that exceptions cannot be allowed to the principle of the sacredness of life, from its conception to its natural death. Besides being a principle of Christian ethics, this is also a principle of human civilization," Navarro-Valls said.
"One would hope, from this dramatic experience, a greater awareness of human dignity could mature in public opinion and that it would bring greater protection for life, even from the legal point of view."
Navarro-Valls' comments came shortly after Cardinal Renato Martino, prefect for the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace at the Vatican, made stronger comments.
"It is nothing else but murder," he said. "It is a victory of the culture of death over life. This is not a natural death, it is an imposed death."