Final Exit Network September 23, 2004 To the Editor: We applaud Thursday's ruling by the Florida Supreme Court in the Teri Schiavo right-to-die case. Courts repeatedly ruled in favor of disconnecting life-support, yet Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Legislature subverted Ms. Schiavo's right to a peaceful, dignified death. This isn't a decision about whether or not to withdraw life support. That was decided by Florida courts long ago. This decision says it's wrong for government to violate its own rules. The ruling strikes another blow against those who would impose their morality on others. John Ashcroft recently suffered resounding defeat in Oregon when he attempted to run roughshod over that state's right to regulate medical care. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Oregon's death-with-dignity law, and squashed Ashcroft's attempts to exploit a diabolical interpretation of drug-abuse laws and send DEA agents after doctors acting in accordance with the Oregon law. We have great empathy for the anguish that Ms. Schiavo's parents and her husband have endured during this protracted struggle. It's important that we all make our final wishes known. Ms. Schiavo's case is a profound demonstration of the importance of preparing an Advance Directive (living will) and Medical Durable Power of Attorney. Until laws protect the right of every adult to a peaceful, dignified death, Final Exit Network will be there to support those who need relief from their suffering today! About Final Exit Network Live Free - Die Free Final Exit Network is a new, national, nonprofit, 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt corporation, based in Marietta, GA, dedicated to serving people who are suffering intolerably from an incurable condition. Goals: To serve people who are suffering intolerably from an incurable physical condition which has become more than they can bear; To foster research to find new, peaceful ways to self-deliver; To promote the use of Advance Directives for Health Care with Durable Power of Attorney; and To advocate for individuals whose Advance Directives are not being honored. Sincerely, Earl Wettstein, President Final Exit Network

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