A bill that could block the removal of Terri Schiavo's feeding tube later this week was sent to the full House after a panel approved the measure Tuesday. An identical measure was to be considered by a state Senate committee later in the day as lawmakers rushed to prevent the removal of the severely brain-damaged woman's feeding tube on Friday.
The bill would block doctors from denying food or water to someone in a persistent vegetative state, but would make exceptions for patients who left specific instructions.
The House Health and Families Council vote split 7-3 along party lines, with the Democrats complaining that the Republicans were rushing the bill through for the benefit of one woman without making prudent modifications.
GOP Rep. Aaron Bean argued the hope of saving a single life made the rush necessary.
This is the second time the Legislature has tried to keep Schiavo alive. In 2003, lawmakers passed a bill that allowed Gov. Jeb Bush to order doctors to restore Schiavo's feeding tube. That law was struck down by the Florida Supreme Court.
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