Life Support Removal For Tinslee In Texas

Texas law that allows hospitals to remove patients from life support was under serious ethical battle when a 10-month-old baby girl, Tinslee, was born prematurely with a rare heart defect called an Ebstein anomaly in Texas Cook’s Children’s Hospital.

She also suffers from chronic lung disease and severe persistent pulmonary hypertension and has undergone several complex surgeries. Her condition is such that she is on continuous medication and breathes with the help of a ventilator.

The doctors said that she is conscious, she responds to stimuli, but there is nothing more they can do medically to help her. The hospital has tried everything in their hands, they have also reached out to 19 other facilities for potential transfer, but all the other centres agree with them that nothing can possibly be done now.

Due to her condition, doctors are requesting to remove her life support under the Texas law that allows hospitals to remove patients from life support This then became a legal case where the family fought hard against the doctors and on Thursday, a judge ruled that a temporary restraining order will continue until Jan 2. The judge said that she needed time to scrutinize the case in more depth. Judge Marion said she would make a decision in the case on or before Jan 2.

The ruling came after a month long legal debate between the hospital and the family. The family argued that the hospital shouldn’t be permitted to make life decisions for their daughter. The family believes that with time and proper care, they can save their daughter’s life.

Their lawyer said Boston Children’s Hospital is reconsidering its initial decision not to take over Tinslee’s care — he said Tinslee might still be able to transfer to that hospital.

Trinity Lewis, Tinslee’s mother, talked about her daughter and how she wishes to see her paint her nails and watch movies with her. She broke down by merely thinking what will happen if the hospital take her off life support, she will never be able to wash her hair or do any other motherdaughter things.

Cook Children’s agreed that once the judge makes a decision, the hospital will give the family an additional seven days to potentially find another hospital to transfer Tinslee to. During closing arguments, Nixon argued the Texas Advance Directives law bypasses due process by protecting doctors from lawsuits over the law’s usage. Harper said the law allows medical professionals to follow their oath to “do no harm.” “It’s not just that she’s in pain, it’s that we’re causing it,” he said.

After the hearing, Lewis said she was grateful for the extension and is hopeful that they will find another facility.
“This isn’t Tinslee’s first rodeo, and she’s made it this far,” she said. “I know she’s going to continue to fight for her life.”

In regards to the Texas Advance Directives Act, Lewis said she did not think the law was fair.