A 13 year old girl refuses a heart transplant and is granted the wish to die. (nov. 2008)
As a treatment for her leukemia, young Hannah Jones was given doses of a drug which ultimately led to the development of a hole in her heart. The hospital has attempted to force her to undergo a heart tranplant, however, the young girl felt that she has suffered enough for several years and that she already had "too much trauma".
Aware of the result of her decision, Hannah chose to let go. Her family support her and are planning her dream trip to Disney World.
The "best interest" of Hannah was at issue. Who knows best and who is to decide? Her parents? the health care team? or Hannah herself although she is only 13?
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In situations such as these that involve extensive pain,dissapointment and fortitude, one cannot but be forced to believe that such events as these would have aided the mind in maturing much earlier than the actual age might imply. If we were to take this into consideration,then one might consider Hannah as an adult in her own cirscumstances. I dont think anyone would know best more than Hannah herself,regardless of the her age category which would grant her severe doubt and concern regarding important choices. Her parents must have been aware of this or must have maybe been enforced by her recent stride of maturity in combating her malignant disease. I dont think the health team has any role in this,it is their JOB to save lives,and many physicians by adopting the act of saving lives become somewhat de-sensitived to true human and familial suffering.
ReplyDeleteIt would be interesting to know if such a situation arises in Lebanon what the outcome would be. It is my impression that we have a paternalistic approach to healthcare and children are not allowed to have a say in their treatment.
ReplyDeleteWould the parents defer to the judgment of the medical team? Or would they take the decision to stop treatment against medical advice?