regarding withdrawing care 4 kids

ShandyLynnRN, BSN, RN · Jan 14, 2003

I never heard about that. What was the outcome for the dad? Did he get convicted??? I have no clue what the laws are reguarding that!

sanakruz, ADN · Jan 14, 2003

These stories abound.

About 15 years ago in Ct. a dad did this- went into The room and killed the brain dead child.

He was not prosecuted.

I never heard of that story you mention and have lived in CA for 17 yrs.

I know of no such law that would prevent the will of the parents from superceding any thing else.

Some times these stories take on the sound of an urban legend.

sanakruz, ADN · Jan 14, 2003

Had the Dad done this in CA-

1) Unlawful display of a firearm (could be felonious.)

2) Reckless endangerment (felonious)

3) False imprisonmen(Of the staff!)(felonious)

Then if he was indeed charged with these things during an arraignment hearing, counsel would be arranged and a plea eventually entered. Bargaining would indeed occur. It's just not that black or white

longtermcarern · Jan 14, 2003

A few years back a local DR here had pulled the plug on his preamie infant that had multiple problems. The infant died, he was charged and tried for either murder or manslaughter, I don't remember which. In any event, he was found not guilty. As far as I know he is still practicing (dermatologist). I know he had a lot of community support and the feeling was just because we have the knowledge and means to save some lives there are times when we should not.

Agnus · Jan 14, 2003

You know I have to wonder when this stuff gets to the press and even the courts.

I work where we withdraw life support all the time. Granted they are adults but a life is a life.

If the child is truly completely brain dead then he is leagally dead, with or without life support. However, brain dead must be total. If even a part of the brain still functions it is not leagal death. It must be proven not just on the say so or opinion of a MD. There are specific procedures used to proove it.

Most of the people whom we withdraw support from are not brain dead. However, it is done legally and ethically and privately. With the full mutual support of the MD, staff and family.

NurseWeasel · Jan 14, 2003

Thanks everyone for the replies. This is definitely not an urban legend, maybe it was the one in Connecticut. I absolutely remember this being one of those hot TV topics, covered on Good Morning America, Oprah, and mainstream magazines. The father was arrested, but I don't think he was convicted. I believe the reason it got to the press was that the father took a gun into the hospital. He didn't point it at anyone that I recall, or "really" threaten anyone (a whole other topic), just laid it on the bedside table and told everyone to stay out while he held the baby. He was quite nonconfrontational about it, other than that the docs or courts or whoever had told him he could not let his baby die. Eventually, he ended up letting in a nurse or two for palliative care type treatment (I have no idea what, exactly), some nurses that he trusted. Anyway, as I said I don't recall where it was. The baby had been to a birthday party and brought home the balloon. It popped on the living room floor and mom didn't realize it before the baby picked up a piece and 'ate' it. She noticed him not breathing and grabbed the baby and literally RAN to the hospital... it wasn't too far away. I vividly remember this story because of the admonition to ALWAYS pick up broken balloon pieces, even if you don't have babies. Pets can have problems with the pieces too.

coolh2o · Jan 14, 2003

The story is true about the baby choking on the balloon. It happened in Chicago in the late 80's (I live in a suburb). No balloons were ever allowed in the house when my kids were very small and I yell now if they put them anywhere near their mouths. My hubby is a RT and me being a RN, NO balloons!