WH disappointed with Schiavo decision

ALBUQUERQUE, March 22 (UPI) -- The White House expressed disappointment Tuesday over a federal judge's refusal to order Terri Schiavo reconnected to feeding and hydration tubes.

"We would have preferred a different ruling," spokesman Scott McClellan said. "This ruling is one step in the process and we will see what comes of further proceedings."

U.S. District Judge James Whitmore rejected a request by the woman's parents for federal judicial review of her case saying Schiavo had due process in earlier state court proceedings.

Schiavo's parents took the case to the federal appeals level Tuesday to try and get the feeding tube reconnected to their daughter, who has been in a vegetative state for 15 years.

"We hope they will be able to have relief through the appeals process," McClellan said. "We continue to stand on the side of defending life."

President Bush signed emergency legislation letting Schiavo's parents petition the federal court to order Schiavo's receipt of sustenance and review the case.

A Florida judge allowed her husband -- who claims she would not want to live in a persistent vegetative state -- to end life-support last Friday.