Posted on 02/01/2006 7:29:10 AM PST by Ohioan from Florida
In the court (and courts) of life and death, a little 11-year-old Massachusetts girl named Haleigh Poutre could be the next Terri Schiavo. For those who have not heard the tragic story, Haleigh was beaten nearly to death last September, allegedly by her adoptive mother and stepfather. The beating left her unconscious and barely clinging to life.
Within a week or so of the beating, her doctors had written her off. They apparently told Haleigh's court-appointed guardian, Harry Spence, that she was "virtually brain dead." Even though he had never visited her, Spence quickly went to court seeking permission to remove her respirator and feeding tube. The court agreed, a decision affirmed recently by the supreme court of Massachusetts.
And so, no doubt with the best of intentions, a little girl who had already suffered so much was stripped by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts of even the chance to fight to stay alive. If she didn't stop breathing when the respirator was removed, which doctors expected, she would slowly dehydrate to death.
Close Call
Then came the unexpected:
(Excerpt) Read more at nationalreview.com ...
Even though they are unethical, I still wouldn't push for deaths of the so-called bioethicists. How shameful is it that I have more respect for their lives, than they have for mine?
I agree. In fact, I'd be willing to reduce the charges on them from Murder One to manslaughter, and let them out of prison after 30 years if they behave themselves.
They know nothing of shame. The "bioethics" label is simply highfalutin' cover for their evil views. My favorite bioethicist was Ted Bundy, a pioneer in the field. In fact, Bundy was so prominent in bioethics, the term "serial killer" was coined for his career.
I respectfully request that Ted Bundy's name never be mentioned in my presence again. Just kidding, but in truth, he hit too close to home for me. He may be the one person who I was actually comforted by his death. If that makes me a hypocrite, then I accept that. He really scared me. Every time his name is mentioned, I get chills up and down my spine.
Bump to Post #4.
I have read that they talked about giving Haleigh a year. A year for WHAT? to RECOVER? We should not kill the disabled.
Haleigh needs our prayers.
You're VERY welcome :).
EXCERPT:
Haleigh Poutre was discharged Thursday from Baystate Medical Center in Springfield and admitted to the Franciscan Hospital for Children. She has been hospitalized since September, when authorities say she was beaten into a coma.
A statement issued by the Franciscan Hospital said: "It is our hope that her stay at Franciscan will afford her the opportunity to maximize her potential for gains in her recovery."
The hospital advertises itself as the largest pediatric rehabilitation facility in New England.
Franciscan Hospital for Children
Attention: Miss Haleigh Poutre
30 Warren Street
Boston, MA 02135
phone: 617-254-3800
fax: 617-779-1119
Email contact
Here is the form for emailing a Message to Haleigh at Franciscan Hospital for Children:
Message To Patient
Franciscan Hospital for Children provides a secure and confidential way for family and friends of our inpatients to send a message over the Internet using this document. Between Monday and Friday, your message will be printed and confidentially delivered to the patient, usually within 24 hours. Messages received on the weekend are delivered to the patient the following business day.
Thanks for the ping!
Thanks for the ping!
Thank you for adding Haleigh's name to the title. :)
I'm glad you pointed that out. I hadn't seen it.
Oh I asked the mods if they could please add her name to the title. :) The mods are very nice when you say please.
Yes, it is, but they will still jump at the chance to bring it back up.
Beyond that, I have nothing to discuss with you.
I frankly have neither the time nor the patience to waste on any dialogue; I won't change my mind and you certainly won't either.
Fair enough! Have a great day!
Ping!
FWIW, I didn't post this article as a Terri trailer. I think there is enough legitimate discussion around Haleigh, because there have been several news reports that I've read where this is mentioned as a right-to-die case. That was, of course, before they realized she was improving. I can't for the life of me figure out how Haleigh's story can be viewed as a right-to-die case. Maybe you can help me out.
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