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Terri Schindler Schiavo collapsed under questionable circumstances in 1990 and suffered a brain injury as the result of oxygen deprivation. Some doctors have testified that the collapse was caused by a potassium imbalance or heart attack while others believe Terri bears signs of a physical assault or abuse.

The Schindler family argues that Terri's brain injury and the resulting disabilities should be treated. While she must have a feeding tube for nourishment and hydration, Terri does not require a respirator or other extraordinary measures to keep her alive.

Although more than a dozen physicians have agreed that Terri's condition should improve with treatment, Schiavo has been providing only maintenance care for his wife since early 1993. In 1992, Schiavo received more than $1 million dollars in a medical malpractice lawsuit filed on Terri's behalf.

Schiavo told the court then that he wanted "to spend the rest of [his] life" providing care and rehabilitation for his wife. He has since fathered two children with another woman, whom he refers to as his fiancee and with whom he is now living, even though he is still legally married to Terri.

Schiavo successfully ordered his wife's feeding tube removed on Oct. 15, 2003. It was reinserted after the Florida legislature passed a bill allowing Gov. Jeb Bush to intervene. That law has since been declared unconstitutional.

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