Formerly Nominated for the Nobel Prize in Medicine, Renowned Neurologist Says Terri "Can Eat and Swallow Right Now"

Joni Hannegan / Aimee Herd reporting : Mar 22, 2005
Baptist Press

William Hammesfahr a noted neurologist who has examined Terri Schiavo extensively in the past, says because she is able to swallow her own saliva every day, the brain-damaged woman from Florida demonstrates that she actually would be able to eat normally if allowed to.

"They are truly withholding food from a person who is awake, alert, and can eat and swallow,” says Hammesfahr, who once spent 10 hours examining Schiavo. He also informed Judge Greer, who has repeatedly blocked efforts by Terri’s parents to save their daughter, that the 41-year-old disabled woman can improve with therapy.

In 1999 Hammesfahr was nominated for a Nobel Prize for medicine and physiology, because of his work in the field of brain injuries and strokes. He was a featured guest on Fox’s Hannity and Combs Monday night.