Tenn. hospital’s decision to abandon care could lead to death of 9-month-old Baby Gabriel

ADF attorneys representing mother file emergency motion to save child’s life
Monday, November 23, 2009

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Alliance Defense Fund attorneys filed an emergency motion in court Monday to save the life of nine-month-old Gabriel Palmer. East Tennessee Children’s Hospital says it may abandon his medical care and thus cause his death even though the child is stable and a doctor says he could live for a long time.

The hospital did not change course after a letter sent Friday by an ADF-cooperating attorney on behalf of Baby Gabriel’s mother which urged hospital officials to continue his medical treatment. Hospital staff told Catherine Palmer that they will no longer provide medical care for her baby despite her objections. The boy is on a respirator and medications to treat pulmonary vascular problems he developed after procedures that the hospital performed on him in October.

UPDATE: After ADF filed its lawsuit, doctors with the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital changed their opposition to ongoing care for Baby Gabriel, and the ethics panel formally agreed not to withdraw his care. The agreement between the hospital and Baby Gabriel’s mother has not yet been put in writing. ADF attorneys are withdrawing their motion for temporary restraining order but will not withdraw the complaint until a written agreement is finalized. Until then, the lawsuit is still active. ADF Legal Counsel Matt Bowman said, “We are pleased at the ethics panel’s decision and look forward to full resolution in writing so that Baby Gabriel’s life will no longer be in danger.” the rest