Every Wonder How the Media Slants the News

The Terri Schiavo story has pretty much sucked up all the oxygen of the 24-7 MSM. Let’s take a look at how some of them and the International media are covering the story.

From the BBC, “Schiavo rivals ‘agree to autopsy’ “

The husband of Terri Schiavo, the brain-damaged US woman now on her 11th day without food, wants a post-mortem examination once his wife has died.

Amid bitter divisions caused by the lengthy legal battle, Michael Schiavo has insisted on a post-mortem examination.

“He’s requested this very strongly,” said Mr Felos.

Rueters reported the story as follows: “Schiavo to Undergo Autopsy to End Debate — Lawyer”

From MSNBC News Services, “Schiavo’s mother: ‘Please give my child back’
Battle over brain-damaged woman enters final chapter”

Earlier in the day Michael Schiavo requested an autopsy for his wife when she dies in order to prove that she was so severely brain damaged that she could never have recovered, as her parents insist.

Associated Press (AP) reports, “Attorney: Terri Schiavo to Have Autopsy,” Husband of Terri Schiavo Said to Plan Autopsy After She Dies to Show Extent of Her Brain Damage

I guess all of these media reporters were too busy to do any fact checking to properly report that Michael Schiavo and his attorney did not agree to anything. Musing Minds tracks down the Florida State law that it is the Medical Examiner who makes the decision prior to cremation, not the spouse. Nice try Michael. Pinellas County Medical Examiners website here is the relevant statute:
406.11(1)(c)

UPDATE: The other thing that strikes me a bit odd is why is Michael Schiavo so hell bent on having the autopsy determine the extent of Terri’s brain damage? Would not an MRI or Pet Scan do the same today? Who kills someone to find out what is wrong with them when it can be determined when they are alive? Who waits until after one is dead to figure out how good or bad someone’s state of health is? No one I know.

Clear and convincing evidence, huh?