Checkbook Euthanasia

Hospital officials say they'll stop treating critically ill baby

By Miya Shay
ABC13 Eyewitness News

(4/29/05 - HOUSTON) — The mother of a critically ill baby is trying to figure out where to take her child after being told by doctors at Memorial Hermann Hospital that they would stop treating her in 10 days.

The five-month-old little girl was diagnosed with leukemia just weeks after her birth. Since then, she's undergone a number of different medical treatments and contracted an infection. Doctors and her parents disagree on what should happen next.

The news that Knya Dismute-Howard's doctors believe any more medical treatment would be futile wasn't a surprise to her parents. It only strengthened their resolve
"Her mind is fully there," said the baby's mother, Tamiko Dismuke-Howard. "She knows when we are there. I can't give up because she won't give up."

Tamiko picked up a letter from Memorial Hermann Thursday night. It says simply that doctors believe all medical treatment, other than to ease Knya's pain and suffering, would be useless. Her parents have 10 days to find another hospital for Knya or her medical care will stop.

"We will not give up," said Charles Howard, the baby's father. "We are going all the way."

Knya is fighting leukemia and a life-threatening skin infection. But her parents say she's not giving in.

"It's about knowing your child and knowing when they're tired and when they can't go anymore," said Tamiko.

Knya's parents say right now, they're focused on finding another facility to care for their daughter. Legal experts say the court system could be a final resort.

"Their option would be to seek a court order asking for more time, but the court is going to ask for a reasonable expectation to place a child," said Sandra J. Carnahan with the South Texas College of Law.

Tamiko is convinced that she will find a place soon.

"If everything we do doesn't help, then I've done all I can and I can go on with life," she said. "But if I stop and give up on her...what can I do?"

The hospital says decisions like this one are extremely difficult. Memorial Hermann Hospital held a news conference relating to this case Friday afternoon.

"Continuing treatment at this point would entail the prolonging of this extreme pain and suffering without any hope of a benefit with prolongation of life," said Chairman of the Futility Review Commission Richard Castriotta, MD.
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Is this a case of checkbook euthanasia?

Little Knya Dismute-Howard is alive. Her parents are seeking treatment for their daughter, not accepting the opinion of the doctors that have determined the baby's life should end.

Knya is blessed to have such loving parents.

While there's life, there's hope.