Medical Expert Suspected of Bias in Case of Disabled Woman in Danger of Death by Starvation

CLEARWATER, FL, September 17, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com) – The case of Terri Schiavo, the disabled woman whose estranged husband has been in a prolonged legal battle with her family to have Terri removed from her feeding tube, which would result in her death, has taken another twist.  Supporters of Terri’s family have uncovered a possible link to collusion in the legal proceedings involving attorney George Felos (representing Michael Schiavo – Terri’s estranged husband) and the neurologist Dr. Peter Bambakidis (court appointed, independent, examining physician).  During the 2002 trials, the court ordered that two physicians would be chosen by Michael Schiavo, two would be chosen by Bob and Mary Schindler (Terri Schiavo’s parents) and one would be appointed by the court as an independent examining physician. All five physicians would later give testimony to the condition of Ms. Schiavo. The independent physician, Dr. Peter Bambakidis of Ohio, would testify in favor of Michael Schiavo in that Ms. Schiavo was in a persistent vegetative state and without hope of recovery.  Supporters of the Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation have learned that Dr. Bambakidis and attorney George Felos may have had a personal relationship prior to Dr. Bambakidis being assigned to the case on April 24, 2002.  In marketing materials promoting his seminars, Mr. Felos notes that he has served as a Governor for the American Hellenic Education Progressive Association.  Upon research, supporters discovered that the Ohio chapter of the American Hellenic Education Progressive Association was managed by Dr.  Bambakidis’ brother Gust.  Moreover, Gust’s son Nicholas had worked with Dr. Bambakidis.  During testimony in 2002, Dr. Peter Bambakidis was asked repeatedly by attorney Patricia Anderson (representing Bob and Mary Schindler) if he had any personal relationship with attorney George Felos. Dr. Bambakidis insisted that he did not know of Mr. Felos prior to being appointed by Judge Greer though he could not provide sufficient explanation as to his appointment nor had he ever testified in any similar court case prior to the 2002 trial of Terri Schindler-Schiavo.  The supporters of the Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation believe these coincidences to be indication of possible collusion in the case and are calling on state officials to launch a full and thorough investigation. This apparent connection raises many questions by the Foundation as to the neutrality and integrity of the proceedings. Supporters have complained that neither state officials nor press have investigated these irregularities. By copy of this release, notice will be given to Governor Jeb Bush, State Attorney Bernie McCabe and Florida’s Attorney General Charlie Crist.  Pro-lifers are asked to petition Governor Bush to save Terri’s life:  https://www.friendsofterri.org/pet.html