CMA Blasts Congressional Interference in Schiavo Case
Physicians Say Congress is ‘Out of Line'
[Posted 03/22/05]

CMA’s House of Delegates on Monday passed an emergency resolution expressing its outrage at Congress’ decision to intervene in the Schiavo case. Noting that Florida courts have already found Mrs. Schiavo to have irreversible and profound brain damage, CMA in the emergency resolution expressed the delegates’ “outrage at Congress’ interference with medical decisions.”

Dr. Larry Ozeran, a Marysville surgeon, said Congress’ recent action is “unique and out of line.” The delegates agreed that Congress, by allowing a federal judge to rule in the case, is extending Mrs. Schiavo’s suffering and violating not only her wishes but also her relationships with her physicians who have long maintained that she will not recover.

“What they are doing to her is torture,” said CMA trustee Dr. Bill Andereck. Dr. Anderek, a San Francisco internist, was one of many doctors who called for passage of the resolution during a short and forceful floor debate that included amending the proposal to express the delegates, “outrage” at Congress rather than “dismay.” The resolution passed on a voice vote with only one physician heard to dissent.

The resolution was one of 130 acted upon by CMA delegates during its 2005 annual meeting.