Obamacare - No "death" panels?

Don · Jun 4, 2013

Yes, I'm probably guilty of histrionics. But seriously - the person in charge of the healthcare system can't sign a piece of paper that lawmakers have determined would not upset precedent or violate the consistency of allocation policy?

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/201...e-child-allow-her-to-get-adult/#ixzz2VHVdJGw7

House Republicans on Tuesday pressed the country’s top health official to cut through the government red tape in order to let a dying child have a chance at getting a lung transplant, as Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius continued to argue that the situation is "difficult."

Sebelius, ultimately, did not say what the government would do in the high-profile case of 10-year-old Sarah Murnaghan, who is dying from cystic fibrosis but cannot get an adult lung until they are offered first to adult patients. According to federal policy, the minimum age for her to be on the adult list is 12.

Georgia Republican Rep. Tom Price, a doctor, told Sebelius that he understands the federal policy and appreciates her sympathy about the situation. But, he said, she can save the child’s life by “signing a paper.”
....
Sebelius also repeated what she has said in recent days -- that she has asked for a review of the policy.

Price, though, said the child could die during the review process, considering it also includes a lengthy public-comment period.
....
Sebelius repeated that surgeons and transplant doctors say the probability of a successful transplant is low when a child as young as Sara receives an adult lung.

However, Barletta and others say Sarah’s doctors think the transplant could be successful.
....
Republicans at the hearing also got support for Pennsylvania GOP Rep. Patrick Meehan, a former U.S. attorney, who said his review of federal policy shows Sebelius could a make the exception “without upsetting precedent or violating the consistency of allocation policy.”

He also suggested the child is a victim of age discrimination, saying in a letter Tuesday to Sebelius: “Sarah is not asking to be placed ahead of another, but rather she is petitioning for the ability to compete for equitable treatment based on sound medical judgment and that she be accorded her appropriate place in line. Her need and survivability are the critical factors.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Click to expand...

Sapper Woody · Jun 4, 2013

This is sad in so many ways. I feel very sorry for the girl right now.

I am not a doctor, and so cannot comment on whether or not it would be successful. I did notice, however, that they said it "may" be successful.

I guess in the end, I am all for giving her a chance to live. Not at the expense of someone else's chance to live, simply because she's younger though. If she can be given this opportunity without pushing others out of the way, then by all means go for it.

I know that sounds cold hearted since she is a child. But wouldn't it be just as cold hearted to tell an adult, "Sorry, you're going to die so that a little girl has a chance to live."? So I stand by my choice, if it can be offered to her without pushing others who need that lung (and who have a higher chance of survival) out of the way, then go for it.

Don · Jun 4, 2013

I agree, Woody. As the last paragraph indicates, they're advocating that she be placed in the appropriate line ranking if approved to compete for an adult lung; it's just that a pediatric lung is extremely hard to come by, and she's at/near the threshold for an adult lung.

BTW: Been a while. How ya doing? If I'm recalling correctly, looks like you've had some additions to that rack?

church mouse guy · Jun 4, 2013

Sibelius is a liberal Catholic old-money type who should resign and go to Leland, Michigan, with all the other old-money types where she already has a mansion. She is mixed up with the ethanol lobby, pro-choice, anti-gun, anti-death penalty leftist crowd. She should not be in charge of health and human services for anyone. She has been barred from communion in the USA. I can't wait till she goes to Leland and stays there.

Obamacare - No "death" panels?

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