Schiavo Autopsy Complete, Separate Funerals Planned by Family

The autopsy of Terri Schiavo has been completed and her body is ready for release to her husband, who plans to cremate her against the wishes of his in-laws.

The results for the autopsy, which was completed Friday, may not be released for several weeks, according to the medical examiner’s office. Michael Schiavo called for the autopsy to settle questions regarding his wife’s condition prior to her court-ordered death.

Meanwhile, Terri Schiavo’s blood-relatives, the Schindlers, spent Friday planning a funeral for their 41-year-old kin. The Schindlers fought for nearly seven years against Michael Schiavo for the fate of their daughter who had been dependent on a feeding tube since 1990.

While the courts ultimately sided with Michael, who said his wife did not wish to live in her disabled condition, the Schindlers literally fought until Terri took her last breath in efforts to save her life.

After Schiavo’s death, another battle rose between the Schindlers and their son-in-law: what to do with Terri’s remains. The Schindlers, who like Terri are Catholic, wished to bury their daughter in Florida so they could visit her grave. Michael, who as the legal guardian has the legal authority over his wife’s body, plans to cremate her and bury her ashes without telling his in-laws when or where.

David Gibbs, the Schindlers’ attorney, said there have been no further discussions regarding their daughter’s remains.

"The court has already determined that (Michael Schiavo) will control the burial decisions," Gibbs said, according to AP.

The Schindlers and their son-in-law also planned different funerals for their daughter.





Pauline J. Chang
Ecumenical Press