The Doctors at CHOP

Someone sent this story to me.  It's about a little girl named Amelia who needs a life saving kidney transplant and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia won't do the surgery because she's "mentally retarded" (their words, not mine).  I read further and found that the family of this girl is willing to donate the needed kidney and CHOP still won't perform the surgery.  The hospital used the excuse of "quality of life" to justify their decision.

I just found this absolutely appalling.  This is someone's child who is sitting there in a stroller sleeping peacefully while a bunch of arrogant doctors (and a horrible social worker) tell her parents that they don't see any value in continuing her life.  They're willing to throw her away like a piece of garbage.

"This is hard for me, you know," says the doctor after he's told her parents he won't perform the surgery.

I really don't believe a word of that.  But, for argument's sake, let's say he's telling the truth.  If he thinks it's hard for him, how does he think Amelia's parents feel????

I can only imagine that when the doctor left that conference room he said, "Whew, that was a tough conversation.  I hate when I have to do those.  Who's up for lunch?"

I also imagine that Amelia's parents had to look into their precious child's eyes and say, "They think your life is worthless.  We failed - this time, but we're not done fighting for you.  We think you're valuable and we think you're worth saving."

Wouldn't any parent say that to their child?

How can this be happening in this day and age?  How can doctors sit there and play God and decide who gets to live and who doesn't?

I'm stunned.  There are groups out there rallying to stop abortions - but no one is rallying for Amelia?  I passed a church today with 50 little white crosses in the yard protesting abortions.  Their time would be better spent protesting the treatment Amelia (a living, breathing child who is already born) is receiving.  There are groups that try to stop people from pulling the plug on loved ones who are clearly brain dead - but they could care less about Amelia?  Amelia may be developmentally delayed, but maybe she needs to be in a coma to get their attention!

If you're going to call yourself pro-life, then you'd better be willing to back up ALL life.  I'm pro-choice and I have a problem with this, so pro-life people should really have a problem with this.  (I'm not saying that pro-life people don't care.  I'm saying this is actually something we have in common and could protest together.)

Surely Amelia has as much right to life as an unborn fetus or a brain dead person hooked up to a machine!  Where are the people rallying for this girl and other children like her?  She's a living, breathing human being who has family and friends who love her dearly and she's just been told her life is worthless.  How fucked up is that?

After reading many of the the comments to the original post by Amelia's mother, I realized that this is not an uncommon occurrence.  I think this is deplorable and I'm ashamed that I didn't know about it before now.

I know that most of my readers are parents.  Imagine if this was your child being denied life.  Wouldn't you want everyone to know?  Spread the word, would you please?

Here is the petition to sign to allow the kidney transplant.

UPDATE: I received an email from Amelia's mother on October 31, 2015. She wrote: "Someone just sent me your blog post about my daughter Amelia and her denial of her kidney transplant. I know it's been about three years since you wrote it but I just want to say thank you for caring about my daughter. She is doing great and is growing so much since the transplant. We are two years out since she received my kidney and I am still reading about all of the wonderful people who supported us! I attached a picture of Amelia on her first day of school. A day that never would have happened if people like you didn't speak up for her. Thank you again!" I was so glad to hear that Amelia is doing well!!!