Texas Judge Restrains Hospital From Ending Emilio's Life

I've written the President to once again pull out all the stops to rescue this poor infant.

Where is the outcry from my fellow Christians?

Here's a case where the entire family wants to extend the life of thier kid, yet the hospital is itching to pull the plug in an effort to save money.

What kind of cruel and heartless governor would pass a "Futile Care Law" like this anyways? Musta been that baby killing liberal Ann Richards. This is why I remain so ademently opposed to all Demon-crats, the party of death.

That's absolutely untrue.

The very piece you linked to said that the treatment will be paid by Medicare. It won't mean a dime out of the hospital's pocket...

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Sayeth John Drake - 10/13/08: "OK, you're right, I admit to LYING"

Medicare pays nowhere close to real expenses.

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When they come a wull staun ma groon
Staun ma groon al nae be afraid
Thoughts awe hame tak awa ma fear
Sweat an bluid hide ma veil awe tears

The piece in the original post states that the care will be covered by Medicare. Not being an expert on Medicare, I'm not in a position to argue to the contrary. Clearly, you feel no such restraint.

But, assuming Medicare doesn't cover it, the family should foot the bill, so that you and I (meaning John Q Public) don't have to...

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Obama's New "57 State Patriotic Pin":




Sayeth John Drake - 10/13/08: "OK, you're right, I admit to LYING"

Or, of course, I know enough about Medicare reimbursement to know that they don't pay actual costs.

Of course. Medicine should all be about whether or not the patient has money.

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When they come a wull staun ma groon
Staun ma groon al nae be afraid
Thoughts awe hame tak awa ma fear
Sweat an bluid hide ma veil awe tears

It's not about cost - it is about keeping this child (who has no hope of recovery) alive and in pain.

Matt

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De duobus malis, minus est semper eligendum

So the hospital says that the care will be covered, and you say it won't be.

Hmmm... who to believe... Hmmm...

Look, if the kid kicks, it'll certainly be sad. Then again, if there are medical doctors saying that any care is futile, I'm inclined to defer to that opinion. Or, do you also know enough about Leigh's Disease that it permits you to take exception with the doctors?

The fact that other hospitals are turning them down also speaks volumes. The indications are pretty clear that the kid is unrecoverable...

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Obama's New "57 State Patriotic Pin":




Sayeth John Drake - 10/13/08: "OK, you're right, I admit to LYING"

Matt, some people simply don't care about the pain of others, so long as they can feel good about themselves...

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Obama's New "57 State Patriotic Pin":




Sayeth John Drake - 10/13/08: "OK, you're right, I admit to LYING"

I'm surprised that one of the catholic hospitals hasn't been willing to take him in.

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And there is distrust in Washington. I am surprised, frankly, at the amount of distrust that exists in this town. And I'm sorry it's the case, and I'll work hard to try to elevate it." --George W. Bush, Jan. 29, 2007

The prognosis is poor, but some children live into their teens- many for 6 or 7 years. Possibly thi child has teh more severe form, that tends to progress rapidly, but even in those cases they usually live for a few years.
Leigh's Disease Information Page: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
It's odd, since I've always felt like one of the advantages to veterinry medicine is that we're not compelled to keep patients alive in the face of futility. I thought that MDs didn't have this choice, especially not without the consent of the family.
I'm not sure how painful Leigh's disease is. It is certianly profoundly degenerative.

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please click and help the eggs hatch!

"The only abnormality is the incapacity to love"
-Anias Nin

I truly feel for the parents of this child but as I go through this with my husband now, I feel they are being extremely selfish. When a patient needs life support, there can be no real quality of life for them. I could selfishly prolong my husband's life to the point that he could probably be weaned from the vent but for what purpose? So he can be tied to a wheel chair and never speak for the rest of his life? Sure, I'd have him here but it would be no life for a once active man. My family and I plan to go to "comfort measures only" on Sunday and while it's going to be hard, I know that's what my husband would want.
It seems as though Emilio, short of a miracle from God, will never ride a bicycle or play baseball with his friends. Though I don't know enough about his case to make the final call, if this child will be on a vent for the rest of his life, I think the parents should let him go. As hard as it is, it's for the best.

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"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOO HOO, What a Ride!"