The Rev. Jesse Jackson said the treatment of Terri Schiavo is an "injustice" and denying her feeding tube is "unnecessary" during a visit to the woman's Florida hospice Tuesday.

"Without food or water for 12 days, there are vital signs and she is being starved to death," Jackson said. "She is being dehydrated to death and that is inhumane. It is immoral and it is unnecessary. There is no rational reason for this to happen."

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"She is being dehydrated to death and that is inhumane. It is immoral and it is unnecessary." - Rev. Jesse Jackson

Schiavo has gone without nutrients or water since March 18.

Schiavo's parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, invited the civil rights leader after he issued a statement last week calling for the woman's feeding tube to be reconnected.

Jackson said he spoke with members of the Senate and asked them to fashion some emergency legislation to stop the starving of Terri Shiavo. Jackson also said he called Gov. Jeb Bush's office.

He said the case "transcends politics and family disputes."

"There is something about this woman's will to live that is touching hearts of people around the nation and around the world," Jackson said. "...We appeal to all involved who have the power to make a decision, help us in some way to get food and water to Terri."

Some demonstrators applauded Jackson when he arrived and shouted, "This is about civil rights."

Schiavo's family is still urging President George W. Bush, Congress and Florida Gov. Jeb Bush to intervene.

Watch Local 6 News for more on this story.