PINELLAS PARK, March 31: Terri Schiavo, the severely brain damaged woman at the centre of an acrimonious right-to-die controversy that even drew in the US president, died on Thursday _ almost two weeks after her feeding tube was cut off. Terri Schiavo, 41, died in a Florida hospice where she spent several years as her parents and husband argued over who should be at her bedside for the final moments.

“It is with great sadness that it has been reported to us that Terri Schiavo has passed away,” said Paul O’Donnell, a Franciscan monk who acts as spokesman for the parents. President George Bush offered his condolences to the woman’s parents and urged those who backed the family in its fight to have her feeding tube restored to “continue to work to build a culture of life where all Americans are welcomed and valued and protected, especially those who live at the mercy of others”.

The parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, and husband, Michael Schiavo, fought in court for more than seven years over whether the stricken woman, who suffered crippling brain damage following heart failure 15 years ago, should be left to die. Doctors said Terri Schiavo was in a “persistent vegetative state” and Michael Schiavo said his wife had asked not to be left in such a condition. The parents said she could improve with proper treatment.—AFP