Texas Futile Care Law Bill Fails

by Wesley J. Smith

I am not happy: But my ire was raised before the ultimate failure of the bill to outlaw futile care theory in Texas. The “good” bill, which would have required hospitals to maintain treatment pending a transfer to another hospital would have breezed to passage, and in the process given a . . . . Continue Reading »

25 May 2007

Baby Emilio Dies

by Wesley J. Smith

While I was in Europe, Baby Emilio Gonzales died. The case stimulated much discussion of Futile Care Theory, in which Texas law allows ethics committees to refuse wanted life-sustaining treatment—not because the treatment won’t extend life but because it will. The Texas Legislature is in . . . . Continue Reading »

21 May 2007

Reprieve for Baby Emilio

by Wesley J. Smith

Ah, the power of good lawyers and public scrutiny. After going to court, attorney Jerri Ward, attorney for Baby Emilio’s mother, just informed me that the Children’s Hospital of Austin has agreed not to remove life support until April 10. And good for the people at the hospital for being . . . . Continue Reading »

20 Mar 2007