Texas: Brief Reprieve for Little Emilio Gonzales

According to News 8 Austin ( Mother gets more time to find new hospital for dying son , March 21, 2007 , 11:30 AM ) , little Emilio, the toddler that was scheduled to be executed under the Texas Futile Care Law on Friday, March 23, 2007, has been given a reprieve. It appears the hospital is giving the mother, and those assisting her, until April 10th to find a facility that will accept him into their care.

Last year, the family of Andrea Clark, the patient at St. Luke's Hospital in Houston TX, was fighting the decision of the so-called ethics committee that had scheduled her for execution under the "Futile Care Law" as well . This scheduled execution was in spite of the fact that Andrea Clark was actually CONSCIOUS and had expressed her desire to live. With attention drawn to her case, and especially due to the efforts of her family and attorney, Andrea received a reprieve and passed away naturally instead of being forced to die at the hands of man.

One would think the Clark case was enough to draw attention to, and concern about, this "FutileCare Law", but apparently it wasn't. The law still remains on the books and in use by hospitals in Texas. But there is light at the end of the tunnel.

People are learning about the "Futile Care Law" -- some for the first time -- and exactly what patient/family rights it gives away and puts into the hands of the doctors, hospitals and so-called ethics committee. I'm sure is was more than a shock to many to learn such a law exists in Texas and could someday threaten their life or the life of a family member.


With information coming forth and the public and public officials becoming aware and informed about this law, it appears changes are being attempted. According to an article appearing on 3/20/2007 on the DallasNews.com , "Dying toddler brings futile care bill to forefront " By PAUL J. WEBER, Associated Press:

"State Rep. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, said that while he is respectful of doctors' opinions and hospital resources, no one but the family or patient should decide when to pull the plug.

"Ten days is not long enough for a patient in these circumstances," said Hughes, author of the House bill."

Maybe changes are before us and this will be the last time any have to write about the pending execution of someone who is guilty of nothing more than being ill or disabled. We shall see! We shall see! God knows we will be watching!