Judge to Rule Soon on Withdrawal of Terri Schindler-Schiavo's Feeding Tube.

Florida Judge George W. Greer will decide by the end of November whether the feeding tube of a severely brain-damaged woman should be withdrawn, a ruling that may end the long court battle between the husband and parents of Terri Schindler-Schiavo and decide Terri's fate.

Judge Greer is sifting through the conflicting testimony of five doctors who divided on Terri's diagnosis and prognosis during hearings early last month. A decision is expected November 22.

Michael Schiavo's attempts to remove his wife's feeding tube are strongly opposed by Terri's parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, who deny that their daughter is in a persistent vegetative state and believe that her condition could improve with treatment, the Tampa Tribune reported.

Terri sustained brain damage when she mysteriously collapsed in her home on February 25, 1990, and her brain was deprived of oxygen for several minutes. Now 38, Terri can breathe, swallow, and maintain a heartbeat and blood pressure on her own, according to WorldNetDaily. She currently lives at Hospice House Woodside in Pinellas Park.

Greer first authorized Schindler-Schiavo's death in February 2001. She was without food and fluids for 60 hours beginning April 24, according to the St. Petersburg Times. Her parents obtained a temporary injunction of the order and she was fed, but Judge Greer again ordered her feeding tube to be removed.

However, the Schindlers took the case to the 2nd District Court of Appeal. The three-judge panel ruled on October 17, 2001, that doctors should examine Schindler-Schiavo before a final decision is made.

Five physicians were chosen -- two by the Schindlers, two by Schiavo, and one by Judge Greer -- to examine Terri and report to the court. During the current hearing, which took place between October 11 and 22, the doctors gave their opinions of Terri's condition and the potential for improvement, according to the Tribune.