Post by AuntRonda on Jan 27, 2005 8:58:20 GMT -5
Judge Delays Decision On Infant's Life
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.
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.
