Pregnant and Brain Dead

Currently there is no decision in the case of Marlise Munoz and her unborn child.  A judge has ruled that Munoz be removed from life support by 5pm Monday (tomorrow, as of this writing) but the hospital has made no decision to actually do so... yet.  They are citing the precedent that since there is no written advanced directives that they are not permitted to remove life support when there is an unborn child involved.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2014/01/25/no-decision-on-order-to-end-life-support-for-pregnant-brain-dead-woman-hospital/

Another report is citing evidence that the child is "abnormal" and that it has hydrocephalus (water on the brain), putting into question the health of the child.

http://www.latimes.com/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-eyes-turn-to-texas-courtroom-weighing-fate-of-brain-dead-woman-fetus-20140124,0,501153.story

From a Catholic perspective, whether or not the child MAY be born with "abnormalities" is not really to be part of the equation.  However, it may also be argued, not taking the child into consideration, that "heroic" efforts to preserve "life" in Marlise Munoz are NOT required, from a Catholic perspective.  Now, especially since "life" has apparently left Mrs. Munoz, there can be grounds for them to remove life support from her.  Again, those who are supporting removal of life support due to the "distinct abnomality" of the child, are not gaining any ground - from a Catholic perspective.  If the life of the child is being brought into the equation, then support must be maintained.


1 comment:

  1. May Marine Munoz and her unborn child rest in peace. The hospital complied with the judge's order at 11:30 this morning.

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