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“Uncle.”

People have been asking me since the conclusion of Conservatorship of Wendland in August 2001, if I plan to write a book about my experiences — and encouraging me to do so. Until now, I have resisted those suggestions for many, many reasons.

But the events of the past few weeks involving Terri Shiavo and her family have inspired me to begin this blog as an alternative to publishing a book or law review article. This will document my six-year experience litigating the Wendland case and serve as a resource for other attorneys litigating such cases, families who find themselves having to make painful, difficult end-of-life decisions, and members of the public who want to learn more about the issues.

I am also going to reveal information about “the players” in this and other cases. As will become apparent, the culture of death is being promoted in this country by a small group of devoted, determined people whose names appear repeatedly in the case records, media, and “scholarly” analyses of the cases.

All entries in this blog must be read with an understanding that I have distinct opinions and approached my work in the Wendland case from a very specific viewpoint: I believe in the sanctity of all human life and saw my involvement in the case as a matter of faith. My beliefs informed and focused my efforts, on behalf of my clients, to save Robert Wendland from a cruel death by dehydration and starvation.

Welcome to all who visit this blog and I hope that you find the information you find here useful.

Author

JHSiess successfully represented the late Florence Wendland and Rebekah Vinson in the landmark California case, Conservatorship of Wendland. Her writings here are dedicated to revealing her unique perspective. Siess is quick to point out that she felt from the case's inception that she was called to handle it as a matter and test of her commitment to the law and specific principles of social justice. Accordingly, she makes no pretense about being objective here and stresses that objectivity is not the goal. Rather, it is her hope that all who read about the protracted litigation that ended with a victory in the California Supreme Court for her clients, but Robert Wendland's death before the win was assured, will resolve never to let their family members speculate about their desires in the event of catastrophic illness or injury -- and not only talk in detail with their loved ones about their wishes, but also commit them to writing. Siess says she is confident you will, after learning what Robert Wendland's family members, caregivers and friends, in addition to the attorneys, judges and justices involved in this case endured, resolve never to permit your loved ones to become embroiled in such a battle. Questions may be addressed to jhsiess@comcast.net.

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