Schiavo autopsy reveals brain damage consistent with persistent vegetative state News
Schiavo autopsy reveals brain damage consistent with persistent vegetative state

[JURIST] An autopsy report [PDF text] released Wednesday showed that Terri Schiavo [JURIST news archive] had a severely "atrophied" brain that weighed less than half of what a normal brain should weigh and was irreversibly damaged. Pinellas-Pasco Medical Examiner Jon Thogmartin said that the findings were "consistent" with a person in a persistent vegetative state. The autopsy also found no evidence of abuse, matching conclusions reached by the Florida Department of Children and Families that previous allegations made against husband Michael Schiavo were unfounded [Orlando Sentinel report]. Terri Schiavo died March 31 after a prolonged legal battle over her condition and wishes. The New York Times has more.