Some situations just make me pause. The circumstances are hard. There is no criticism, no judgment\u2026 just hard. But I admit, from afar, it\u2019s often easier to criticize one or more of the key players rather than standing back, asking more questions, recognizing that our judgment is secondary to our prayers.<\/p>\n
In a story covered last week by a wide array of media\u2014 from CBS to People Magazine<\/em> \u2014 note the following circumstance regarding an especially fluid situation, as reported by Great Britain\u2019s \u201cThe Guardian\u201d:<\/p>\n \u201cDoctors can withdraw life support for an 11-month-old boy against the wishes of his parents, a judge has ruled.<\/em><\/p>\n Specialists at King\u2019s College hospital in London had argued that giving further intensive care treatment to Isaiah Haastrup was \u201cfutile\u201d and not in his best interests. They say he is profoundly disabled but believe he might be able to feel pain.<\/em><\/p>\n Isaiah\u2019s mother, Takesha Thomas, and father, Lanre Haastrup, both 36 and from London, wanted treatment to continue. Neither were in court for the handing down of the judgment.<\/em><\/p>\n In his judgment, Mr. Justice MacDonald said: \u2018Examining Isaiah\u2019s best interests from a broad perspective… I am satisfied that it is not in his best interests for life-sustaining medical treatment to be continued. That, with profound sadness, is my judgment.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n The judge said it was a \u2018grave and difficult case\u2019 and discontinuing the treatment would, on the evidence before him, \u2018lead to Isaiah\u2019s death.\u2019 There was \u2018a stark difference\u2019 between the views of the medical professionals and parents regarding Isaiah\u2019s medical condition and prognosis, he said.<\/em><\/p>\n He said the parents\u2019 evidence on Isaiah\u2019s level of responsiveness was \u2018both understandably and sadly heavily influenced by the flattering voice of hope\u2019 and was not reliable evidence. \u2018I am satisfied on the evidence before the court that Isaiah has no prospect of recovery or improvement given the severe nature of the cerebral atrophy in his brain.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n He was satisfied Isaiah would remain \u2018ventilator dependent and without meaningful awareness of his surroundings,\u2019 adding: \u2018Having as I must Isaiah\u2019s best interests as my paramount consideration, I am entirely satisfied that it is no longer in Isaiah\u2019s best interest to receive life-sustaining treatment.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n The judge paid tribute to the devotion of Isaiah\u2019s parents. \u2018It is trite but true to observe that the court cannot imagine the emotional pain that the conclusion of the court will cause to the parents. It is my hope that, in due course, the parents will be able to derive some small measure of comfort from the knowledge that they have done all that they can for their much-loved and cherished son to seek an alternative outcome for Isaiah\u2019\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n The specialists and Isaiah\u2019s parents disagreed over his level of responsiveness. His parents said they believe he responded to his mother\u2019s face and touch\u2026\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n And so in my desire to ask more questions than assert any claims of knowing best, I wonder:<\/p>\n Who does know best? And\u2026<\/p>\n Am I more prone to criticism of any involved than asking good questions from afar?<\/p>\n Respectfully\u2026 Some situations just make me pause. The circumstances are hard. There is no criticism, no judgment\u2026 just hard. But I admit, from afar, it\u2019s often easier to criticize one or more of the key players rather than standing back, asking more questions, recognizing that our judgment is secondary to our prayers. In a story covered … <\/p>\n
\nIs hope a valid enough defense?
\nCan hope be reliable?
\nWhat is the meaning of \u201cin his best interests\u201d?
\nWho gets to decide those best interests?
\nWho would pay for the infant\u2019s continued care?
\nDoes money matter?
\nShould it matter?
\nCan we trust the giver and taker-away of life?<\/p>\n
\nAR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"