1990
On February 25, Terri Schiavo, 26, collapses in her home from what doctors believe is a potassium imbalance. Oxygen flow to her brain is interrupted for about five minutes, causing permanent damage. A court rules that she is incapacitated and her husband, Michael Schiavo, is appointed as her legal guardian.

1992
A jury in Pinellas County, Florida, awards $1 million in a malpractice judgment; $700,000 of that is placed into a trust fund to pay for Terri's care.

1993
In February, Terri's parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, fall out with Michael Schiavo and begin to schedule their visits to Terri on different days. The Schindlers later try and fail to have Michael removed as Terri's guardian.

1998
Michael petitions a court to have his wife's feeding tube removed.

2000
In February, Florida Circuit Judge George W. Greer rules that Terri's feeding tube can be removed.

2001
The feeding tube is removed on April 24, but reinserted two days later after a ruling by Florida Circuit Court Judge Frank Quesada. In October, the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals issues an indefinite stay while it hears the case.

Terri Schiavo's mother, Mary Schindler, gives her a kiss in this image from an August 2001 family video.

2002
In a week of appeals and court hearings, three doctors -- two chosen by Michael Schiavo and one chosen by the court -- testify that Terri is in a persistent vegetative state without hope of recovery. Two doctors chosen by her parents say that she can recover. In November, Greer rules the feeding tube can be removed in January 2003, but stays that order in December pending another appeal.

2003
On Greer's order, after his previous ruling is upheld, Terri's feeding tube is removed for the second time on October 15. Six days later, the Florida Legislature passes "Terri's Law," allowing Florida Gov. Jeb Bush to stay the judge's order and direct that the feeding tube be reinserted. Bush issues that stay two hours later.

On October 27, Michael Schiavo tells CNN's Larry King that his wife didn't want to be kept alive artificially. "This is Terri's wish, this is Terri's choice," he said. "And I'm going to follow that wish if it's the last thing I can do for Terri."

2004
The Florida Supreme Court declares "Terri's Law" unconstitutional. Gov. Bush appeals to the U.S. Supreme Court.






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