News

Judge Grants Family’s Request to Keep Critically Ill Baby Alive

In a significant ruling, a judge has granted a family’s request to maintain life support for their critically ill baby. The hospital had planned to remove the boy from life-support equipment, but the judge has ruled against it.

17-month-old Emilio Gonzales has been under the care of Children’s Hospital of Austin since December. The hospital argues that further treatment is futile and the child is suffering without any medical benefit. However, Emilio’s mother, Catarina Gonzales, disagrees. She believes her son is responsive, stating that he smiles and turns his head towards voices.

The hospital invoked a state law that allows them to end life-sustaining treatment with a 10-day notice to the family. However, the judge has set a hearing for April 19 to hear both sides and review the evidence.

Despite Emilio having health coverage through Medicaid, the hospital claims that finances are not a factor in their decision. Doctors and a hospital ethics panel have determined that the treatment is causing the boy to suffer without any medical benefit.

Emilio is believed to have Leigh’s Disease, a progressive and difficult-to-diagnose illness. He relies on life support to breathe and requires nutrition and water to be pumped into him. His higher order brain functions have been destroyed, making him unable to swallow or make purposeful movements.

The family has faced challenges in finding another medical facility to care for Emilio, but they have expressed optimism with several promising leads. Meanwhile, lawmakers are considering changes to the current legislation on futile care.

SOURCE

About the author

Lisa Arneill

Founder of Growing Your Baby and World Traveled Family. Canadian mom of 2 boys, photo addict, lover of bulldogs, and museumgoer. Always looking for our next vacation spot!

Leave a Comment

Send this to a friend