A matter of life and death
In London, England, a one-year old baby born with a severe birth defect has caused discourse between his amicably separated parents on whether or not to disconnect the respirator that is keeping him alive.
The disease, congenital myasthenic syndrome, is a rare genetic condition that prevents the child from breathing on his own. It causes severe muscle weakness, feeding, and respiratory problems. According to the hospital, the disease is progressive, but the baby has been taken off his artificial respirator at least three times. Each time, the baby was able to breathe on his own for less time, until the third time when he was able to maintain for only five minutes.
Siding with the doctors, the mother is in favor of ceasing life support, but the father is pleading his case to the high courts in Britain.
According to lawyers in a story reported by CNN, the baby is “miserable, sad, and pitiful.” When describing the child’s plight, they lawyers say his lungs fill with fluid every few hours giving him the sensation that he is choking. Doctors must use suction to remove the fluid, causing further suffering.
The father claims the baby can play and recognize his parents and that his lawyers plan to show videos of the baby in court to demonstrate he is capable of responding.
Both parents feel they have the baby’s best interests at heart, and this is clearly a life or death matter. With everyone feeling they are right, where has it gone wrong?