The parents of a terminally ill girl have opposed a High Court Application by the HSE (Health Services Executive) to not resuscitate their eight-month-old daughter should her condition deteriorate.
HSE applied to the High Court today, for a declaration for medical staff not to administer CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and ventilation, if the eight-month-old girl's condition deteriorates.
Her parents said they’re opposing HSE’s application as they’re "hoping for a miracle" and the mother of the eight-month-old said she didn’t want her “rights as a mother to be taken away”.
The mother went on to say that she was fully aware of her daughter’s condition and knew that her daughter “will never reach adulthood”. But insisted that it should be up to her and her husband to make decisions regarding their daughter’s life.
Tim O'Leary SC who was representing the HSE in court, said the child has a genetic disorder for which there is "no known cure”.
He went on to state that the baby has epilepsy, has trouble breathing, has sight and hearing problems and cannot swallow.
The HSE counsel also stated that children who suffer from a similar condition do not live beyond a year.
The High Court judge, Mr. Justice Kearns has decided to adjourn the case to allow an independent medical expert to carry out their own assessment of the little girl.
The eight-month-old is to still receive CPR and ventilation, should the need arise until the next court date.
Mr. Kearns said it was "a very, very difficult" and "sad situation" for the child's family and the medical staff who have been treating her.
