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(CNSNews.com) -- President Bush signed legislation early Monday morning that will allow the parents of a Florida woman with a severe brain injury to sue in federal court to save her life. The parents of Terri Schindler Schiavo are trying to get their daughter's feeding tube reinserted after her husband had it removed Friday with permission from a Florida state court.

Just after 1:00 a.m. EST, Bush enacted the special legislation, entitled "For the relief of the Parents of Theresa Marie Schiavo." The White House released a written statement from the president a short time later.

"Today, I signed into law a bill that will allow Federal courts to hear a claim by or on behalf of Terri Schiavo for violation of her rights relating to the withholding or withdrawal of food, fluids, or medical treatment necessary to sustain her life," the Bush statement said. "In cases like this one, where there are serious questions and substantial doubts, our society, our laws, and our courts should have a presumption in favor of life.

"This presumption is especially critical for those like Terri Schiavo who live at the mercy of others," the president continued. "I appreciate the bipartisan action by the Members of Congress to pass this bill. I will continue to stand on the side of those defending life for all Americans, including those with disabilities."

Bush returned to the White House Sunday from a trip to promote his Social Security reform plan to be available to sign the bill.

The proposal, S. 686, gives the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida jurisdiction to hear and render judgment on a suit or claim by or on behalf of Theresa Marie Schiavo for the alleged violation of any of her rights under the Constitution or laws of the United States "relating to the withholding or withdrawal of food, fluids or medical treatment necessary to sustain her life."

The law also specifically authorizes Terri's parents to sue on her behalf and establishes the procedures for a suit brought under the Act.

The Senate passed the proposal on a voice vote Sunday afternoon. After that vote, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) told reporters that the Schiavo case involves "extraordinary circumstances that center on the most fundamental of human values and virtues, the sanctity of human life."

Frist explained that, contrary to claims made by opponents, the legislation, which is being called the "Palm Sunday Compromise," would not mandate a decision in favor of Terri's parents, Bob and Mary Schindler.

"It gives Terri Schiavo another chance," Frist explained. "It guarantees a process to help Terri, but does not guarantee a particular outcome."

After the Senate passed the bill, Mary Schindler pleaded with members of the House to help save her daughter.

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