Parents fight DNR on daughter
However, the mother of the eight-month-old pleaded not to have her rights as a mother taken away in relation to her child’s treatment, and described her daughter as a “gift from God”.
The baby’s mother told the President of the High Court, Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns she is fully aware of her daughter’s condition, for which the court heard there is no known cure.
She said she and her husband want to make any decision that affects their child’s life.
“I know she will not reach adulthood,” the woman said. “But I have to do everything in my power to give her the love, comfort and care she deserves. I would never want to see her suffer. I have been with her 24 hours a days since she was born.
“She is a miracle already. It is a miracle she is even here. Please, I am begging you, please don’t take away my rights as her mother. I never want her to suffer. If she is suffering, I will say it is time for God to take her back.”
The HSE yesterday applied for a ‘Do Not Resuscitate’ (DNR) order, a declaration that it will be lawful for medical staff treating the child not to administer CPR and ventilation if her condition deteriorates.
By order of the court neither, the family at the centre of the application nor the hospital where the infant is being treated can be identified by the media.
Seeking the order, Tim O’Leary SC, for the HSE, said the girl has a genetic disorder for which there is “no known cure”. She has suffered from epilepsy, has trouble breathing, has sight and hearing problems, and cannot swallow.
Children with this condition do not live beyond their first year, the court heard. The HSE, said Mr O’Leary, following an assessment by medical experts, was seeking the declaration not to resuscitate as it is in the child’s “best interests”.
Should her condition deteriorate, her doctors do not want to see the child’s suffering prolonged by invasive aggressive treatment.
Performing CPR or ventilation, which she has received previously, has caused her pain and distress, counsel said.
Mr O’Leary said the girl’s parents have taken a different view and want her to have CPR and/or ventilation.
The HSE, he said, fully appreciates the truly tragic situation the parents find themselves in.
However, the HSE says CPR and ventilation is not appropriate and have asked the High Court for guidance on the matter.
The child’s mother, represented by Mark Harty SC, asked that the court order a further assessment of the child by an independent medical expert.
Mr Justice Kearns adjourned the case to allow an independent medical assessment of the child.
He said this was “a very, very difficult” and “sad situation” for the child’s family and the medical staff who have been treating her.
The judge praised the girl’s parents, who he said have done everything they can for their daughter.
“You are doing a great job. It is a great comfort to know that she has such great parents who have such an interest in her wellbeing,” Mr Justice Kearns said.
The child is to receive CPR and/or ventilation, should the need arise between now and the time the matter returns before the court at the end of next month.
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