The media coverage of the Schiavo family tragedy has omitted mention of facts I consider relevant to a fair political analysis of the situation.

First, George Bush, as governor of Texas, signed the Texas Futile Treatment Act that allows Texas hospitals to withhold life support from terminally ill patients (despite family opposition) if insurance or Medicaid funds for the treatment have run out.

Second, George Bush, as president, has proposed budget cuts to Medicaid that would further limit funds for life-sustaining treatment for severely brain-damaged patients.

Third, congressional Republicans (including Sens. Snowe and Collins) refused to allow an exemption in Bush’s bankruptcy bill for individuals whose financial difficulties were created by the costs of medical care for family members.

In exploiting the Schiavo tragedy for political purposes, as a GOP internal memo urged congressional party members to do, Republicans claim a “pro-life” mantel. Wouldn’t it be more accurate to characterize Republicans as the “pro-life, if you can afford it” party?

Margaret Imber, Turner