Baby Charlie – Who Decides When a Terminally Ill Patient Must Die?
Who decides?
When a terminally ill patient should die
No one’s fooled when the plug is pulled
It’s tragic and cold
Whether young or old
Proclamations of that “better place”
The tears on a mother’s face
Homes left with an empty space
Despite the futility
And little chance of recovery
Hope shines from the moments of stability
Critical care
No longer there
Just a lengthy “wait and see”
Advice
From the left and right
Day and night
Let them pass, or watch them fight
In and out of consciousness
Analyzing cognizance
Medical charts have no heart
No soul, no art
A personalized diary called “end of days”
Medical considerations
Experimental medications
Applications and expectations
Reservations and variations
Circling back to a permanent vacation
And that uncomfortable realization
That every crossing has been crossed
Tried them all, ignored the cost
Yet the moment still is lost
Is it time?
Is it a crime?
Who decides?
When a terminally ill patient should die?
Is it you?
Or I?
Author’s Note
A terminally ill infant in the United Kingdom, Charlie Gard, has been thrust into the global spotlight and will likely become a talking point in the debate over single-payer health care pros and cons. Baby Charlie has a rare genetic disorder that has only been seen in 16 other occasions in the history of modern medicine. An American doctor has already agreed to treat Baby Charlie, but the UK health administration is refusing to allow him to leave England, even though his parents have the financial means to make the trip. The group making the decision is already being called a “Death Panel.”
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This is a sad, tragic story, Ralph. It should be up to the parents, not a ‘Death Panel’, to take Charlie to the US. It is outrageous to have a group of people not emotionally involved and not related to the baby to make such a decision. Good for you to share this story. May I share it on my G+?
yes – share as much as you would like to Phyllis
Powerful stuff Ralph, and sometimes circumstances are just not right when there is any sign of hope. I have had to make that decision with my own daughter of four months, and the pain is life altering. But if there is any hope the parents should be able to proceed, surely. A well penned and poignant piece Ralph.
You have my deepest sympathy Tony – I hope this didn’t open any old wounds
Great piece Ralph. I can’t believe they would not release the child to the parents. At the point where the child is going to pass on, the idea of an experimental drug as the only chance sounds like a good idea to me, especially because the parents had the monetary funds to transport their daughter. That is the huge problem with socialized medicine, they have control over your medical decisions. If it doesn’t benefit the system then it’s not going to happen. If that kid was in the US he would have been flown immediately to the treatment facility he needed. Good piece.