My latest article for LifeNews.com
This week, one of the most searing and difficult bioethical cases I have ever encountered was brought to my attention. It involves a premature baby born with serious and substantial developmental anomalies that will in all likelihood cost this little one her life. Before going further with the story, what are most needed at this moment are prayers for Emily (name changed), her mom, and her family. Identifying information has been changed to safeguard the family’s privacy.
Emily was born with over a dozen heart defects, and her trachea and esophagus are joined into one common tube at one point. Because of this defect, the baby can’t eat, as her milk would go into the lungs. She can’t be fed through a tube into the stomach, because any regurgitation would likewise go to the lung. She is on a ventilator with oxygen and receiving morphine, as well as an IV.
When this was called to my attention, I spoke with the mother who was all alone and facing a team of physicians aggressively pushing her to disconnect the baby from life support, telling her that she was making her baby suffer needlessly, that there was no hope for surviving reconstructive surgery. Never mind that morphine attenuates pain and suffering. Second opinions were only sought after the mother’s steadfast refusal to quit on her baby.
I consulted a number of folks who direct organizations in the pro-life movement who could shed light on how to proceed. Legal counsel, medical advice, advocacy, etc., all began to take shape within 24 hours. Researching this defect led to an authoritative team of surgeons who have dealt with this rare condition. They don’t think the baby could survive the surgery. Others have yet to respond.
While things may very well end poorly sooner rather than later, this case along with that of baby Joseph from Canada earlier this year calls out for something new in the pro-life movement.
Read the rest HERE.
Coming Home 
A truly inspired idea, Dr. Nadal. I wish I was a nurse so I could volunteer. This absolutely needs to come to fruition.
About little Emily… I pray that she and her mother find their way into the care of decent professionals who will love them both. Father, let Thy will be done, and send Your Spirit to comfort and surround them.
Dr. Nadal,
Unfortunately, I am not a doctor and cannot volunteer. However, you might find success with Providence Health Systems, a chain of hospitals located along the west coast. My experience as a patient for maternity care as well as pediatric services has been both compassionate and ethically sound.
http://www2.providence.org/Pages/default.aspx
Provident Portland also houses a unique and truly exemplary Hospital for Medically Fragile Children, a facility in which our family has spent time as volunteers.
http://oregon.providence.org/patients/programs/center-for-medically-fragile-children/Pages/default.aspx
I hope you find this helpful. Best regards on this endeavor.
Melissa
Marketing and Development Director
Pregnancy Resource Centers
Praying for Emily and family.
Your idea of a pro-life medical ethics team is excellent. Much needed in Canada too.
That sounds wonderful! Praying for baby “Emily” and her family. I guess you will have to let me know when you need a pro-life English major, though.
Dr. Nadal,
This sounds like a wonderful idea and I would volunteer Preemie Prints to be a part of it in anyway possible. An online support system possibly for these families to gather, talk, and pray. Whatever you need from me/us to proceed we are with you. I am so blessed to have met you even though the circumstances we met under were not the best.
I am willing to work on such a project…Ive got very few letters after my name (only and R and and N) but have worked in PICU and NICU and Hospice and I run a Perinatal Palliative care program and am on my hospitals Clinical Ethics committee.
Thanks, Tammy! I’ll email you. BTW, my wife has those same two letters after her name and has done Peds, NICU and PICU for 21 years. Those two letters trump MD, DO, and Ph.D.! Nurses Rock!