The judge upheld the parents' right, and two appeals of the court decision failed. The hospital complied, and the baby was allowed to die naturally. But the debate over the medical, legal and ethical aspects of the case raged. The regulations essentially make it illegal to deny care and nourishment to the handicapped. Exceptions are made when such care is only forestalling or prolonging death inhumanely.
Debate continues about the interpretation, applicability and enforceability of the regulations.
Padbury said he believes any decision about care for a preemie should be under the jurisdiction of the family first, with physician advice on consideration of all clinical factors. Often times a medical team is asked to do the best possible work they can. But 10 years ago, none of these kids survived. It really is good news. The discovery should allow doctors to prevent respiratory distress syndrome by replacing the babies' defective protein as soon as they are born.