In Florida the meddling in the Schiavo case by the legislature and the Governor is simply unconscionable. Dahlia Lithwick boils it down:

Take away all the high-minded rhetoric in this case and it is no different than any child custody case. There are a number of people seeking to assert control—all of whom have a legitimate and passionate interest in the outcome. But that doesn't mean they all get a vote. This is why the courts have wisely limited guardianship to just one decision-maker—Schiavo's spouse. The decision to terminate a life is not a popular referendum. Nor is it subject to a recount. The Florida Legislature should understand that better than anyone.

I'm pretty sure when anyone gets married they are not saying "in case of emergency, see what the politicians and polls are saying".