Gov. Bush Orders Disabled Fla. Woman's Feedings Resumed
By: Administrative Account | Source: CNSNews.com
October 21, 2003 6:16PM EST

By Jeff Johnson
CNSNews.com Congressional Bureau Chief
October 21, 2003

(CNSNews.com) - Fla. Gov. Jeb Bush has ordered that Terri Schindler Schiavo's feeding tube be re-inserted. Bush issued an executive order late Tuesday, after the Florida legislature gave him the authority to take the action.

"Like the tens of thousands of Floridians who have raised their voices in support of Terri Schiavo's right to live, I have been deeply moved by these tragic circumstances," Bush said of the 39-year-old woman who suffered a brain injury under questionable circumstances in 1990.

"[A]ny life-or-death decision should be made only after careful consideration of all related facts and conditions," Bush continued. "For that reason, I appreciate the extraordinary action of the Legislature today and will use the discretion they have granted regarding the restoration of nutrition and water to Terri Schiavo."

Bush issued Executive Order 03-201, which states that:

• "Effective immediately, continued withholding of nutrition and hydration from Theresa Schiavo is hereby stayed.
  
• "Effective immediately, all medical facilities and personnel providing medical care for Theresa Schiavo, and all those acting in concert or participation with them, are hereby directed to immediately provide nutrition and hydration to Theresa Schiavo by means of a gastronomy tube, or by any other method determined appropriate in the reasonable judgment of a licensed physician.
  
• "While this order is effective, no person shall interfere with the stay entered pursuant to this order. And,
  
• "This order shall be effective until such time as the Governor revokes it."