US Court rejects appeal of Terri Schiavo's parents

The full 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta has denied the request by Terri Schiavo's parents that doctors be ordered to reinsert the feeding tube that has kept their brain-damaged daughter alive for 15 years.

Schiavo, 41, suffered severe brain damage in 1990 when her heart stopped because of a chemical imbalance.

Her husband and legal guardian, Michael Schiavo, asked Florida courts to remove her feeding tube in accord with what he said were her wishes not to be kept alive artificially.

The parents still have the option of taking their case to the U.S. Supreme Court. The three-judge appeals panel ruled earlier today that the Schindlers "failed to demonstrate a substantial case on the merits of any of their claims."

Schiavo's feeding tube was removed last week after seven years of legal battles in Florida state courts. Congress and President George W. Bush took extraordinary action, authorizing a federal court lawsuit by her parents.