My parents like to have the television on almost constantly.
I couldn’t care less what is happening on a flashing screen and would rather be
occupied with what is happening in my tangible life. As a result, I normally
don’t pay attention to any of it, but I heard about this the other day and just
had to check it out:
Justina Pelletier, a fifteen year-old girl in Massachusetts,
has been kept in a psychiatric ward at Boston Children’s Hospital for over a
year. Justina started out at Tufts Medical Center, where she was diagnosed with
mitochondrial disease, which has a negative effect on the way cells produce
energy and can easily destroy a person’s body. Last February some other doctors
at Boston Children’s Hospital decided that the disease was all in Justina’s
head—they were caused by a mental illness. When Lou and Linda, Justina’s
parents, tried to take their daughter back to Tufts Boston Children’s Hospital
called the cops. Justina has been at Boston Children’s Hospital ever since, the
focal point of a custody and medical battle that her parents haven’t stopped
fighting. They want their daughter back.
For the past year, Justina has been sitting in a psychiatric
ward at Boston Children’s Hospital. Her parents were only allowed a single
one-hour, supervised per week. They say their daughter’s condition has worsened
since she was admitted to the psych ward. Her hair is falling out, she relies
on a wheelchair for transportation, and her parents are not allowed to
photograph her.
Justina was brought to Boston Children’s Hospital after her
regular doctor at Tufts was unable to see her. The medical professional she saw
said he did not believe in the diagnosis or treatment she had already been
given and created his own medical plan for her without input from anyone else.
When Justina’s parents refused to sign the plan and attempted to check their
daughter out of the hospital the hospital responded by accusing the parents of
over-medicating their child and refusing to give her the mental health therapy
she needed.
Justina’s latest hearing was a few days ago. Linda Pelletier
collapsed to the ground and was taken to the hospital after hearing that her
daughter might be placed in foster care. She would reside in a different county
and attend a special education and treatment program. Reporters say this
decision may indicate that Justina is mentally stable. Her next hearing is
scheduled for March 17th.
I know I’m not the only one who thinks there are multiple
things wrong with this situation. Land of the free, home of the brave, but we
don’t get to decide what happens with our medical situations? How is releasing
Justina so different than if I decide not to take ibuprofen for a headache or
if I tell my dentist I don’t want to have my wisdom teeth removed? I really don’t
understand.
I suppose this really hits home for me because of the
similarities to my family. There is nothing like the love between a mother and
her child. I see it most clearly with my mom and my fourteen-year-old brother,
but I know she would do anything for me too. Obviously, Justina has two amazing
parents who love her and care for her. She is the center of their world, but
she has been wretched out of it. It’s an unfortunate situation because of
Justina’s rapid decline, but these hospitals aren’t doing anything to help. I
don’t think the government or these hospitals have the right to say what is
best for a minor with two living, caring parents. Especially since her
condition is rapidly deteriorating, if the parents agree, I think it would be
best for Justina to spend her time at home, rather than a hospital or in foster
care. Is one lost patient really going to bring a hospital down? Justina
probably could if they don’t release her.
“The system has failed.”
I agree there is defining love for a parent and their child, especially if the parents only have that one child. You have to consider various factors when determining the value of someone’s life. I agree that Justine’s life isn’t being considered thoroughly. She should be home with her parent sometimes that is the best remedy for a patient. There’s something about being surrounded around by loved ones, and people who care about you. I’m pretty sure that when one of your family members comes to your school events it encourages them. It also makes them feel loved and cared about. I would not give up on my child nor allow the hospitals to determine what is best for her. That is one of your rights as a parent and they shouldn’t be denied the right to exercise them.
ReplyDelete