Tube reinsertion order refused in US

A US federal judge today refused to order the reinsertion of Terri Schiavo’s feeding tube, denying an emergency request from the brain-damaged woman’s parents.

Federal court judge James Whittemore reserved judgment last night, saying he would not issue an immediate decision on whether Terri Schiavo should have her feeding tube reinserted.

The 41-year-old’s fight for life is the focus of a bitter family feud which has evolved into a political storm, attracting accusations of Republican electioneering.

Bobby Schindler, Terri Schiavo’s brother, said his family was crushed by the decision.

“To have to see my parents go through this is absolutely barbaric,” he said. “I’d love for these judges to sit in a room and see this happening as well.”

In today's ruling, Judge Whittemore wrote that Schiavo’s “life and liberty interests” had been protected by Florida courts.

Despite ”these difficult and time strained circumstances,” he wrote, “this court is constrained to apply the law to the issues before it.”

The Atlanta appeals court is already considering an appeal on whether Terri Schiavo’s right to due process had been violated.

Reaction came quickly from the handful of protesters outside the the hospice where Mrs Schiavo is dying .

“It’s terrible. They’re going to talk and talk and she’s going to die,” said Miriam Zlotolow, 59.