Pat Anderson and Her Role in the Lisa McPherson Case

note: Pat Anderson e-mailed me on July 24, 2004 (the day after this article was published to the internet) to inform me of her involvement with Dr. Wood:

At the time I represented Dr. Wood, there was no Lisa McPherson case. Before the prosecutor filed any charges, the Church decided to take a pro-active stand and made a public records demand for the physical evidence in Dr. Wood's possession relating to McPherson's death. Dr. Wood refused to give them the evidence. The Church filed a public records lawsuit against her, seeking a court order requiring her to turn over the evidence. I defended her in that lawsuit. Dr. Wood won. The case ended.

That is the sum total of my connection to the McPherson affair. 

response: Even though Ms Anderson was not directly involved with the prosecution's case against Scientology, she did represent Dr. Joan Wood against Scientology in a crucial preliminary case. Scientology, who claimed that Dr. Wood lied about the evidence regarding the autopsy, sued Dr. Wood for the records. 

Ms Anderson said Dr. Wood won, but Scientology was quite happy with the records that were released. Scientology attorney Morris Weinberg called it a total vindication:

"``It is a total vindication for not only the church's position but for all those members of the public that will now get the true facts.''

(Scientology can see some, not all, evidence)

Weinberg's use of the word "vindication" suggests that Scientology got what they needed to plan their strategy against Dr. Wood:

Circuit Judge Bob Barker ruled that the church, as well as the public, is entitled to drafts and notes taken during the autopsy, the autopsy report, lab reports that document McPherson's hydration, the length of her unconsciousness, the cause of death, the cause of blood clotting, the appearance and cause of the insect bites, photographs of the bites, material pertaining to consistency of ``chronic process,'' photocopies of certain slides and certain lab reports regarding physical specimens.

(Scientology can see some, not all, evidence)

Long before Bernie McCabe filed felony charges against them, Scientology, was aware of Dr. Wood's findings. They had plenty of time to develop a plan to fair game Dr. Wood into changing the cause of death from "undetermined" to "accidental" which in turn prompted Bernie McCabe to drop the charges altogether. 

This case, in which Scientology was charged with the abuse and or/neglect of a disabled adult and the illegal practice of medicine, did have a favorable outcome for Scientology due to Dr. Joan Wood's decision to change the cause of death on the autopsy report. 

Dr. Wood's initial report of autopsy found that the cause of Lisa McPherson's death, of which severe dehydration played a major role, was "undetermined." This finding was not acceptable to Scientology, and they waged a fierce battle to change Dr. Wood's finding to suit their agenda. They succeeded.

Under pressure from experts hired by the Church of Scientology, Wood quietly amended her autopsy report on Feb. 16. The manner of McPherson's death was changed from "undetermined" to "accident." Wood also removed one cause of death ("bed rest and severe dehydration") and added a new significant condition ("psychosis and history of auto accident.")

(Quote source: A Cry For Justice) 

Bernie McCabe used Dr. Wood's reversal as an excuse to drop all charges against Scientology. He even chose a Scientology high day (June 12, 2000) to do it!

Pat Anderson began representing the Schindlers in Terri's guardianship case the following year, shortly before Terri's feeding was stopped the first time. Ms Anderson calls the completely irregular (illegal) way Terri's case has been handled, "the rule of Terri's case." She is not unaware of Scientology's control of this case.

 Wesley J. Smith quoted Pat as saying:

"If following a legal procedure will likely result in Terri dying, it will be adhered to. But if a procedure could make that outcome more difficult to attain, it will not be followed."

(The Rule of Terri's Case Strikes Again)

The problem with this statement is that legal procedures will not result in the death of Terri Schiavo. That is why the Scientology-run Circuit Court 6 has been using illegal procedures (and an llegal judge) all these years.

Pat Anderson has been involved in two high-profile Scientology cases involving dehydration: the Lisa McPherson case and the Terri Schindler Schiavo case.

Lisa McPherson and Terri Schiavo: Same Crimes

While Scientology's role was overt in the Lisa McPherson case and partially covert in the Terri Schiavo case, the main criminal issues are the same: 

 abuse and/or neglect of a disabled adult

 practice of medicine without a license

 dehydration

It is no coincidence that the same crimes for which Scientology was indicted in the Lisa McPherson case — abuse and neglect of a disabled adult and the illegal practice of medicine — are being repeated against Terri Schindler Schiavo.

Judge Greer permits Michael Schiavo to abuse and neglect Terri as well as practice medicine without a license. It is Michael Schiavo, not Terri's doctor, who makes all the decisions regarding her medical care. It is Michael, not a medical doctor, who has practiced outlaw medicine and denied Terri antibiotics, dental care, gynecological care,  physical, occupational, recreational and speech therapy; social interaction, fresh air, etc.)

link: Scientologists Settle Wrongful Death Suit. Also see: The Life and Death of a Scientologist more  media coverage  

7/23/04

modified 4/27/05