Liberty Bell

Terri Schiavo

Nearly a year after her death, her parents and husband are releasing opposing books that will continue the debate over the decision to remove the feeding tube of Terri Schiavo. Terri Schiavo died on March 31, 2005, at the age of 41. 13 days before, her feeding tube had been removed under a legal order granted to her husband, Michael. Terri’s death was caused by a mix of dehydration and starvation.

Michael Schiavo fought the Schindlers (her parents) in court for eight years over the removal of Terri’s life support, arguing she would not have wanted to be kept alive in what doctors called a persistent vegetative state.

The Schindlers argued that she retained some level of consciousness. “Don’t let anybody tell you that Terri did not know who was in that room,” Mary Schindler told The St. Petersburg Times in an interview published Saturday.

In their book, “A Life That Matters: The Legacy of Terri Schiavo - A Lesson for Us All,” the Schindlers continue the debate, saying Michael Schiavo abused Terri and say she wouldn’t have wanted her feeding tube removed.

In Michael Schiavo’s book, “Terri: The Truth,” he says he was determined to carry out his wife’s wishes despite death threats and other pressures.

“Terri: The Truth” is being released Monday. “A Life That Matters: The Legacy of Terri Schiavo - A Lesson for Us All” will be released the day after. It will be interesting to read the different sides presented by family members.