A Texas judge said that a children’s hospital can remove an 11-month-old from life support despite her family’s objections.
Tinslee was born premature and has been in the hospital with a unique heart defect and other very serious health problems since birth. Back in October, the hospital came to the conclusion that efforts to keep the baby alive were only inflicting more pain. The hospital notified her family of plans to discontinue life-sustaining treatment in 10 days. The 10-day rule can be used when a family disagrees with doctors who recommend to withdraw life-sustaining treatment.
Trinity Lewis, the baby’s mother disagreed with the decision, sparking a months-long legal battle. Lewis said she should be able to make the decision go whether or not her child lives.
Lewis said she plans to appeal the judge’s decision.
“I am heartbroken over today’s decision because the judge basically said Tinslee’s life is NOT worth living,” she said in a statement issued by Texas Right to Life. “I feel frustrated because anyone in that courtroom would want more time just like I do if Tinslee were their baby.”
“I hope that we can keep fighting through an appeal to protect Tinslee. She deserves the right to live. Please keep praying for Tinslee and thank you for supporting us during this difficult time,” she added.
The hospital says it will wait up to seven days before taking action to five the family time to make a choice on whether to appeal the judge’s ruling.
“Even with the most extraordinary measures the medical team is taking, Tinslee continues to suffer. To keep her alive, doctors and nurses must keep her on a constant stream of painkillers, sedatives, and paralytics,” the hospital said in a statement Thursday. “Even with medication and support, Tinslee has ‘dying events’ 2-3 times per day. When she is in distress, Tinslee crashes and aggressive medical intervention is immediately necessary, which causes even more pain.”
“Cook Children’s has been devoted to this precious baby her entire life, providing compassionate, round-the-clock, intensive care and attention since she arrived at our hospital 11 months ago,” the statement said. “Her body is tired. She is suffering. It’s time to end this cycle because, tragically, none of these efforts will ever make her better.”
“The State of Texas is fully prepared to continue its support of Ms. Lewis in the Supreme Court if necessary,” the statement said. “We are working diligently to do all we can to ensure that Tinslee and her family are provided the care and support that they seek.”Said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken in a joint statement.
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