ADF: Alaska Supreme Court issues order to keep patient alive
http://www.alliancedefensefund.org/news/story.aspx?cid=4544
ALLIANCE DEFENSE FUND NEWS RELEASE
June 3, 2008 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT ADF MEDIA RELATIONS: (480) 444-0020 or www.telladf.org/pressroom
Alaska Supreme Court issues order
to keep patient alive
ADF-allied attorney succeeds in preventing hospital
from pulling life support against patient’s and husband’s wishes
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Alaska Supreme Court granted an Alliance Defense Fund allied attorney’s motion for stay and signed an order Friday that will keep Providence Hospital from removing Mari Chamberlain’s life-support tubes. Ending her life support could result in her death within minutes or days.
“No one should be allowed to decide that an innocent life is worthless. A man is caring for the wife he loves; it’s not the hospital’s job to end her life,” said ADF Senior Counsel Joe Infranco. “We are pleased with the court’s decision to allow Mari to continue receiving her treatment, respecting the wishes of the patient and her husband over those of hospital bureaucrats.”
Providence Hospital asserts that Chamberlain’s medical treatment does her no good and that keeping her alive violates its “ethical” standards. Chamberlain’s husband, Peter, filed suit against Dr. Javed Kamali and the hospital on May 16 to keep medical staff from removing his wife’s life support, which would inevitably terminate her life.
“Having severe medical problems shouldn’t be a death sentence,” said ADF-allied attorney Kenneth Kirk, who represents Chamberlain. “Judging a patient’s worth by subjective ‘quality of life’ standards is dangerous. The decision on whether to remove life support for this woman rests with her and her husband alone.”
A copy of the signed order in Chamberlain v. Kamali is available at www.telladf.org/UserDocs/ChamberlainOrder.pdf. As a result of the high court’s decision, a temporary restraining order against the hospital entered by the superior court on May 20 will remain in effect pending appeal and further order of the court.
The emergency motion for stay filed Thursday to keep Chamberlain’s tubes from being pulled the following day is available at www.telladf.org/UserDocs/ChamberlainMotionStay.pdf.
ADF is a legal alliance of Christian attorneys and like-minded organizations defending the right of people to freely live out their faith. Launched in 1994, ADF employs a unique combination of strategy, training, funding, and litigation to protect and preserve religious liberty, the sanctity of life, marriage, and the family.
One Comment
Thank you posting someone’s stand for life. No one should have to fear life being terminated by any hospital. God numbers our days. Those in the medical fields should not try to “Play God.” I believe there are caring medical workers who do value life.
I belive those in this country who are for life from the unborn to the Senior citizen. There needs to be take an even stronger stand by letting our elected offcials know we are for life.
It’s sad to read about the husband’s situation. He’s taking care of his wife. Then to confront those who want to terminate her life. I’m thankful he had AFD and their support.
Thank you for AFD and the support you give in standing for what is right.