Washington, DC - Fr. Frank Pavone, National Director of Priests for Life, welcomed the brief statement from the Vatican today clarifying that patients in a "persistent vegetative state," even when they are not expected to recover, are not to be deprived of food and water. "Naturally, this brings to mind the case of Terri Schiavo," said Fr. Pavone, who was on Terri's short visitor's list and was at her side in the final hours of her life. "Her autopsy said that she died of dehydration. She did not die from natural causes or from any illness. She was killed." Fr. Pavone added, "Let's not confuse Terri's case with the legitimate withdrawal of medical treatment. While there is such a thing as a worthless treatment, there is never such a thing as a worthless life."

Priests for Life, in cooperation with the Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation, has proclaimed March 31 each year as "Terri's Day" and has prepared special prayers and suggested activities and educational resources for Churches and families.