Court Orders Texas Baby Removed from Life Support

Texas baby 10-month-old baby life support court orders

By Fatima Virrey , Parent Herald Oct 05, 09:32 am

The court orders a 10-month-old Texas baby removed from life support at the Texas Children's hospital.

According to reports, the judge on the case did not grant the parents' request for a temporary injunction. This decision gave the authority to the Texas Children's Hospital to remove the 10-month-old Texas baby, Nick Torres, from his life support.

The Texas baby's initial condition

In a report by the Click2Houston, the Texas baby's family's attorney shared that the 10-month-old baby boy was brought to the Texas Children's Hospital after becoming unresponsive and unconscious at home.

On September 24, Nick was given a bath by one of his parents. When they came back after getting a towel, the baby was already unconscious.

When he was brought to the Texas Children's Hospital, the staff informed the family that nothing can be done for the 10-month-old Texas baby and that he has to be removed from his life support.

The Texas baby is brain dead.

After several tests, doctors said that Nick's brain is already dead. Aside from this, a doctor from Texas Children's Hospital also informed the family that his kidneys and lungs are no longer functioning.

On September 30, Nick was officially announced dead. That is after his second brain death examination was conducted.

According to health officials in the hospital, the 10-month old baby's heart would stop when the ventilator is taken off. They added that there is no possible health care that could be provided to Nick.

The family is still hopeful.

Despite the doctor's advice, the family remains hopeful that their son has a chance to live.

The parents of the Texas baby argues that the due process has been violated.

For the family, the decision on what is best for their child should rely on them.

(Photo: Andreas Wohlfahrt from Pexels)
Court Orders Texas Baby Removed from Life Support

During the hearing, the family presented cases of other babies that recovered while on a ventilator.

However, during the court hearing, the hospital said they have already done everything they could for the 10-month-old baby.

The court's decision

In a report by Click2Houston, the judge in the case was quoted saying, "I am a mother and my heart goes out to you. Unfortunately, I'm the judge that has to rule on this. And the law is clear. I must deny your temporary injunction."

The family was not given the temporary injunction because of what the law states.

The Texas Law

A Texas law states that if health experts believe that sustaining treatment is no longer necessary. Still, if the family disagrees, then the issue should be taken to the hospital's ethics committee.

If the committee agrees with the doctor, then the 10-day rule should be used. The 10-day law allows families to find a new hospital for their child.

The court may grant an extension. However, if the court does not do so, then the treatment can be withdrawn.