Judge OKs brain tests in Reno end-of-life case

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

By KEN RITTER and MICHELLE RINDELS

RENO, Nev. (AP) — A Nevada judge gave a Reno hospital the go-ahead Tuesday to conduct brain wave tests on a 20-year-old woman who has been on life-support since April, but the judge indicated she won't rule until at least Jan. 22 on the crucial question of life or death.

Washoe County Family Court Judge Frances Doherty said she wants lawyers for Aden Hailu's father and Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center to submit arguments by Jan. 8 about whether additional CT scan and eye reflex tests should be performed.

David O'Mara, attorney for the father, Fanuel Gebreyes, lost a bid to delay brain electroencephalogram, or EEG, tests until Hailu receives additional thyroid treatments that could boost her metabolism and better measure her condition.

"We need to have Aden in the position that she can actually have the tests done," he argued.

FULL story at link.


FILE - In this Dec. 2, 2015 file photo, attorney David O'Mara, left, talks with his client Fanuel Gebreyes, who is fighting to maintain life support for his 20-year-old daughter Aden Hailu, leaving a hearing in Washoe County District Court in Reno, Nev. The court fight over a Reno hospital providing life-support for Hailu goes back to court Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015, for arguments about standards for brain death and tests to prove it. (Cathleen Allison/Las Vegas Review-Journal via AP, Pool, File)

Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/bda7c324d24f463b8bb99a8ae21d3eb6/fight-over-woman-life-support-reno-goes-back-court

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I am terminal. Let me go when I choose, not at right to lifers definition!!!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I hope you've put your wishes in some sort of legal document, my dear Omaha Steve.

A durable power of attorney for health care would do the trick, I believe.

[dhol82]

2. Personal feeling is that

If you believe in God's will, then you should let Him exercise His judgement. No tubes required.

[Chemisse]

4. There is no indication that this man's objection is based on religious beliefs.

Most likely he just doesn't want to loose his daughter, and is holding out hope when it may not be warranted.

On the other hand, this statement in the article was unsettling: "Saint Mary's doctors said three EEG tests conducted during the first two weeks of April showed declining brain function, and no EEG tests were performed after that. Hospital officials declared Hailu brain dead May 28."

This could lead the family to wonder if the hospital was being a bit hasty. It would help if there were certain standards that would help dictate decisions. What level of brain function divides hope and no hope? If there is hope for some kind of life, is the life worth living?

[Chemisse]

3. I'm sure this must be devastating for her dad.

But if someone has no chance of a meaningful life (either brain dead or in a vegetative state) it's time to let go.

I don't know what the stats are, but I would guess that most people, when asked their preferences, would want to be allowed to die in this situation.

[jberryhill]

5. Brain death in Reno is pretty common