It is about the baby whose dad accidentally rolled over her in bed. the DSS who pronounced Haleigh worthy of death are at it again. They sought to have the life support removed and the Judge agrees. It isn't explained what life support is to be removed however as the poor kid is expected to linger on a bit.
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WORCESTER— A Worcester Juvenile Court judge yesterday authorized removal of life support from a 2-month-old girl whose father apparently accidentally rolled over her while they were asleep in a bed, a state official said yesterday.
The judge also authorized a “do not resuscitate” order for the child, according to Alison R. Goodwin, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Social Services. Police said the baby was in “very grave condition” in UMass Memorial Medical Center — University Campus.
DSS described Avianna, daughter of David Letourneau and Sarah Elliott of 208 Pilgrim Ave., as being “in an irreversible coma from which officials involved said she will not recover.”
Ms. Goodwin described a series of steps that were taken before the Juvenile Court ruled on Avianna’s case yesterday afternoon. She said that DSS urged removal of life support “based on recommendations made by expert medical professionals and with the support of her parents.”
The department followed a protocol requiring a recommendation from the treating physician, from the ethics committee of that doctor’s hospital, and a second opinion from a physician from a different facility in Worcester and who was not involved in Avianna’s treatment, Ms. Goodwin said.
“The court heard testimony from six expert medical professionals who all concurred with the recommendation to withdraw” sustaining medical support and issue a “do not resuscitate” order, she said. One of the experts is the infant’s guardian ad litem who is both a lawyer and a nurse, Ms. Goodwin said.
It was unclear how long the baby can survive without life support, but Ms. Goodwin said her death is not expected to be immediate.
The case recalls that of Haleigh Poutre, an 11-year-old girl who nearly died from alleged child abuse in 2005 in Westfield. DSS advocated for removing Haleigh from life support after she was diagnosed as being in an “irreversible vegetative state.”...........
Judge OKs removal of life support
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