Posted on 01/26/2005 8:21:31 PM PST by nickcarraway
Incurable, Genetic Deformity Slowly Suffocates Baby
HOUSTON -- A Harris County judge delayed a decision Tuesday about whether a baby should be removed from life support without the mother's consent, Local 2 reported.
Wanda Hudson's infant, Sun, has been on a ventilator since he was born on Sept. 25, 2004.
Doctors said the infant has skeletal dysplasia, a fatal and incurable genetic deformity, which will not allow his chest cavity and lungs to grow. Sun is slowly suffocating to death because his lungs lack the capacity to support his body, according to hospital officials.
But, the infant's mother has refused to give up hope and has obtained temporary restraining orders preventing Texas Children's Hospital from taking the infant off life support.
The restraining order will remain in effect since the baby's mother and her attorney said they were not prepared to present their case Tuesday.
The judge rescheduled the case but said he will not tolerate any more delays or excuses.
"The judge made me happy today," Hudson said.
She said she would not give up hope for her baby.
"It's all a pack of lies. My child is not in great pain. He sucks on his tooth. He smiles. He wiggles," Hudson said.
Hudson said she named her baby "Sun" after the sun the sky.
"The sun that shines in the sky has come down in a flesh and blood body just like yours and mine. And Sun is the creator of Sun's body. Sun came down here, looking the way he did, for a reason, so man cannot get the glory," Hudson said.
Texas Children's Hospital released the following statement:
"A team of physicians comprised of neonatology and bioethics specialists at Texas Children's Hospital determined that it would be unethical to continue with care that is futile and prolongs Sun's suffering. In order to arrive at the best possible resolution for all parties, Texas Children's encouraged court involvement, and recommended that Ms. Hudson obtain legal representation. The hospital agreed to pay Ms. Hudson's reasonable attorney's fees in an effort to ensure that her and her son's interests have been adequately represented. Texas Children's has made extraordinary efforts to provide the best possible care for Sun, as we do for all patients, and we are deeply saddened that no treatment can save him."
The case goes back to court on Feb. 9.
In an exclusive Local 2 Flashpoll, SurveyUSA asked approximately 500 Houstonians, "Do you think a parent should have the absolute decision on whether to take a child off life support?"
Seventy-six percent answered yes, while 14 percent responded with no. Another 10 percent were not sure.
ping
Poor little baby. Why rush his death..... he will pass soon enough.
This is absolutely outrageous. The slippery slope has begun with a vengeance.
My the Lord grant him peace as he passes from this life to the next.
I think this is a key phrase in all of this. "...no treatment can save him"
The hospital can do no more. The mother has the right to find another institution that would claim that they could do something different. This hospital has done all they can.
He can be transferred to a skilled nursing facility that manages ventilators. There are thousands of them for chronic medical conditions.
It’s horrific. My youngest son’s within days of his age. But at some point, I wouldn’t expect taxpayers to spend tens of thousands a day to keep him going by machines. At that point I’d want him given morphine rather than oxygen. A terrible thing to have to imagine…
My prayers go up for this baby and his mother. God's will over the infant. Lord, please show your will for this baby soon. Provide a miracle to save the baby's life, or allow the child to join you in heaven. Surround him with angels, and give his mother strength to endure what is ahead. Provide the family with comfort and peace. Surround them with your love. In Jesus' precious name. Amen
Pegita-thank you for the ping.
Blessings,
trussell
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That poor mom could use our prayers as well.
My heart aches for this sweet little baby boy but I have to ask why there is no mention of his father.
Prayers for this mother and child!
I just have to take a guess that the hospital is also worried about the $$ it will cost to pay for this baby's care, and that $$ has something to do with their decision. I'd just lay odds on that.
That is true. I do not know for fact, but I suspect the hospital knows what they are doing. There are over 200 types of skeletal dysplasias and TCH happens to have one of the specialty centers. http://www.texaschildrenshospital.org/carecenters/Genetics/SkeletalDysplasia/Skeletal_Dysplasia.aspx
Dear Father our King, we lift little Sun to You, O God of Compassionate Love. O Savior, Great Physician, Your children Plead for a Miracle for this little one, that Your Mercy might be Magnified, and Your Name might be Glorified. Shower this Mother and her cherished one with Your Healing and Your Amazing Grace, as we Worship You with Thankful hearts, our Papa Who Sees our Tears. In the Name of Lord Jesus, our King, we Pray, amen.
I'm sorry, but HUH?
Otherwise prayers go up for this child not to have to suffer much more before he is in The Creater's arms. To suffocate to death is surely one of the most horrid ways to die.
Prayers on the way!
Lord have mercy on this mother and child.
I join in prayer for this little one!
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