A story coming out of Philadelphia has Middle Tennessee parents outraged; sending emails and signing a petition on behalf of parents they never met.
A few days ago, doctors at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia delivered stunning news to parents Joe & Chrissy Rivera. They were denied approval to a life-saving kidney transplant needed for their daughter, three year old Amelia. The reason given: “Mental Retardation.”
When the Riveras were told they would never be able to get on the waiting list they objected, stating that they or someone in their family would donate a kidney. There was no need to wait for a donor. But the doctor persisted.
“She is not eligible because of her quality of life. Because of her mental delays,” the doctor insisted, according to Chrissy Rivera.
Amelia was born with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. Symptoms of Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome can include intellectual disabilities, seizures, and shortened life span.
Families that include individuals with special needs are shocked and appalled. They’re also worried.
The doctors at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia have determined that Amelia Rivera is not worth saving. Who gets to determine quality of life? Where is the line drawn, and who gets to draw it?
Rivera reports that when she asked if she should let her daughter die when her kidneys start failing "because she is mentally retarded," the doctor said "Yes."
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