Andrea Clark to Illinois
I have just been advised that Andrea Clark's family has accepted the offer to move her to Illinois. It is ridiculous that Clarke has to be moved at all, but at least she will get the treatment she wants and needs to sustain her life. Under the Texas statute, St. Luke's is not responsible for paying for the transportation of a transfer after a futility determination, but they will be paying in this case. I am convinced that this would not have happened but for the heat people put on St. Luke's Hospital. Again, it is wrong that a sick woman has to be moved 1000 miles to receive life-sustaining care that she and her family want, but at least she will receive it. Good job to everyone who put pressure on St. Luke's.
Now, Texas Legislature: Change the law.
posted by Wesley J. Smith @ 8:16 PM
4 Comments
4 Comments:
Do you have any information on who was governor when the Texas bill allowing Andrea Clarke's treatment was signed into law?
You see, Kathryn Jean Lopez over on the Corner is attributing this case to the "culture of death," and I'm curious as to which political party deserves that description.
Thanks.
George Bush was governor. The reason for the Texas law coming into being can be quickly summarized as follows: The bill started out as an attempt to stop futile care theory. But all the legislature could do was expand the 3 day limit of continuing care imposed by Houston hospitals to 10 days. He signed the bill because he thought it was better than nothing.
But, hey: If hating Bush will get you to oppose futile care theory, that's fine with me.
It was a mistake. He should have vetoed and allowed aggrieved patients to sue.
Oh, I was against it in the first place. Nobody should be able to pull the plug on a competent patient who still desires care, just as nobody should be able to force a patient (competent at the time or not) to continue to receive care who doesn't want it. If you're for patients' rights, that includes the right to live or the right to die.
I happen to *also* dislike Bush, and you're right, he should have vetoed the legislation, but then, he isn't really much of a leader.
island_earth:
"You see, Kathryn Jean Lopez over on the Corner is attributing this case to the "culture of death," and I'm curious as to which political party deserves that description."
Nice try, but I'm sure beneath the sarcasm you well know that "culture of death" means just that: a general attitude, not any particular political party. The truth is both of our major parties show the influence of this mindset to differing degrees depending on the issue.
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home