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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
March 21, 2005

Statement on S. 686
Statement by the Press Secretary

On Monday, March 21, 2005, the President signed into law:

S. 686, which provides that the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida shall have jurisdiction to hear, determine, and render judgment on a suit or claim by or on behalf of Theresa Marie Schiavo for the alleged violation of any right of Theresa Marie Schiavo 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; provides that any parent of Theresa Marie Schiavo shall have standing to bring a suit under the Act; and establishes other procedures for a suit under the Act.

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