[JURIST] AP is reporting that the parents of Terri Schiavo [JURIST news archive] have opted to seek an expedited rehearing of their case by the full US Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals en banc [full court roster] instead of pursuing an immediate appeal to the US Supreme Court, the course that their lawyer had appeared to indicate earlier Wednesday. The move could reflect a strategic judgment about which body is more likely to offer relief, and provides an additional chance for the Schindlers before their case reaches the high court. Eleventh Circuit rules required papers for the rehearing to be filed by 10 AM this morning.

12:48 AM ET – AP now has this story on the request for expedited rehearing. In the latest court papers the Schindlers say Schiavo's condition is "deteriorating rapidly" and they ask that the appeals court direct her hospice to have her transported to a hospital. In brief comments, President Bush has said he is watching how the federal courts handle the case and defended the recent Congressional legislation authorizing federal court review. AP has more on the Bush's remarks.