There is a story here in the UK today that has made me really think this morning. A young 13-year-old girl has won her battle to be allowed to die with dignity in her own home, surrounded by those who love her.
All parents want the best for their children, for them to live and be happy throughout their lives, but how would you feel if the best thing you can do for your child is to let them go. This little girl could have an operation which may save her life, but if it works she will face a lifetime on medication. She has made the decision on her own that this is not the kind of life she wants for herself, and her parents are standing by her.
I am a mum myself but cannot imagine what it would be like to face a dilemma such as this family is going through. I know deep in my heart I would do anything I could for my children to fight and live, but who’s interests would I be serving? My child’s or mine? At what point would you be able step back and put the wishes of your child before your own? It’s not a situation I’m sure I could deal with.
My thoughts are with Hannah and her family, and my heartfelt admiration goes to a very brave little girl who has made a decision I'm not sure even I could make.
Details of the story can be found on the BBC News Website.
11 November, 2008
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6 comments:
Its a really difficult thing this but she is very young to be making such a decision herself.Been proven over and over again the abaptability of human nature. This makes me feel as if it’s a child’s tantrum with incredible consequences. As medicine is developing in leaps and bounds the medication maybe quite unobtrusive in a few years time and her quality of life maybe fantastic.
I personally wouldn’t have allowed my 13 year old to have made that decision and to be honest I don’t her mother would have either.
All I have said is based on limited information
I wonder what the legal ramifications are?
Does a 13 year old girl have the right to make a decision like that?
Does she have a complete understanding of the issue?
I wonder if she understands that she easily can say, "I want to die", but when the day nears fear might set in and she tries to grasp for anything to extend her life.
FB
I have to agree with the first anonymous. I don't know the details, but if it was only a matter of medication (whatever it is) and not something more severe, like she would almost certainly become a quad, I can't imagine letting any of my four children at 13 make that kind of decision themselves.
No matter the cost I would do everything in my power to keep that child alive, unless I was certain that their suffering had moved beyond the boundaries of human endurance.
My immediate reaction was the same as g. coppard, being a father it was my gut reaction. Having had read more details on the case, this young girl has been through the mill, life has been very unkind to her.Her decision was made over a year ago, so its not just a whim.I think this girl has decided how she wants to live her life and although it may be shorter than what the rest of us will experience but at least it will be a happy and supportive time for her.
rh
My heart goes out to both Hannah and her parents at this time. The decision wasn't made by Hannah on a whim, the poor girl has had a life none of us would wish on anyone, let alone our children and has made the decision herself based on what the doctors have said the possible outcome could be. The authorities have interviewed her about her decision and after the descussions have agreed that she is mature and well informed enough to make the choice herself.
Could you even begin to imagine what it would be like for that poor girl if the court order had been granted and she had been FORCED to have the operation? She would have been taken from her parents and made to have the surgery against her will. Surely no one will agree that this is the right way to do things?
If anyone would like to read more aboutthe case you can find more reports here http://news.google.com/news?q=Hannah+Jones&rls=com.microsoft:*:IE-ContextMenu&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7GGLJ&um=1&hl=en&sa=X&oi=news_group&resnum=1&ct=title
Watched an interview with her and her mother this morning it was very informative and it made me realise that the big picture has to be seen before we jump in. Also the authorities wernt going to force her to have the operation.
RH
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