A pro-life legal group announced another temporary victory for a 2-year-old California boy who doctors want to take off life support against his family’s wishes.
Two weeks ago, a judge put a temporary stop to a hospital’s attempt to withdraw life support from 2-year-old Israel Stinson (pictured) after doctors declared him “brain dead,” according to Life Legal Defense Foundation, which is representing Israel and his family.
Earlier this week, Life Legal said it had until Friday to find a hospital that would care for Israel; but on Thursday, the legal group announced that they were given an extension.
“We are still making calls and have not yet found a hospital, but there is a bit of GOOD NEWS!” Life Legal said in an email. “Earlier today, Life Legal prepared a federal petition for a restraining order on behalf of baby Israel. The Pacific Justice Institute, based in Sacramento, assisted with the filing.
“We are thrilled to report that we now have an order in place that will prevent the hospital from withdrawing Israel’s life support through the weekend. Our next hearing is Monday afternoon.”
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Though the hospital declared Israel “brain dead” a few weeks ago, he has since been observed reacting to his mother’s voice and touch, according to the legal group.
Israel’s family wants to give him a chance to recover. He was placed on life support after suffering a severe asthma attack earlier this month. The toddler’s situation took a turn for the worse when he was transferred from a Sacramento hospital to another area hospital on April 12. Less than 24 hours after the hospital admitted Israel, the staff notified his parents that they intended to run tests to determine his brain activity and likely would withdraw his life support, according to the pro-life legal group. Without life support, Israel would die.
Israel’s mother said she posted notes throughout his hospital room instructing the hospital not to conduct any tests on her son without her permission. One of the notes said: “This letter puts you on notice that we will be filing a temporary restraining order with the courts this week. I am in need of more time before any further tests are performed and am requesting an outside physician to intervene and give a second prognosis.”
However, Israel’s mother said the hospital staff ignored the notes and conducted the tests anyway.
The temporary restraining order is good news, but the fight for Israel’s life is not over. The legal group said it still is looking for a hospital willing to treat Israel. The legal group said Israel’s family feels encouraged by the overwhelming public support that they have received.
“Please keep praying that we find a hospital for Israel that will provide him with a breathing tube and a feeding tube,” Life Legal said in an email. “This will allow him to be released to home care.”
