Murderous Doctor

This is a fascinating story set in the context of Hurricane Katrina in N'awlins.

Summary: Storm hits, massive chaos ensues, massive disruption of electricity and communications.

What to do about hospital patients in intensive care?

Apparently, Dr. Anna Pou, decided to morphine a few to death. Mercy killing, so to speak -- a notch above Dr. Kervorkian, a notch below standard protocal.

Here's the arrest warrant on the matter --have fun sifting thru all that legal mumbo-jumbo

I don't have hard and fast opinions on the matter. Yes, I believe in the sanctity of life, but, Yes, I believe in the quality of life, too. If I'm just hanging by on a thread, imposing mucho $$ and stress and worry on my wife and kids, Heck, I hope they have the courage to pull the plug.

This case is a little different, though.  The DA alleges that these doctors were trying to play God, trying to perform some form of triage in the midst of chaos.  I'm not sure that's kosher, but I'm not sure it equates with murder, either. For me, there are 2 questions:

1. Were these patients truly suffering?

2. What efforts did the doctors make to find next of kin to make any final decision?

The comments section at Kevin MD show tons of doctors closing ranks to support their own -- which is typical.  If Dr. Pou has the guts to testify in court, clearly admit what she did and her motivation for so doing without a buncha waffling, I'd be impressed. Here's what I did, here's why I believed it was necessary -- and, I don't think its murder.

However, if she starts weaseling, clamming up, equivocating, well, then you know she has a guilty frame of mind.

Also, if the surviving relatives of the dead patients raise a fuss, well, Dr.Pou's got some big-time PR problems.  I know I'd be highly outraged if some doctor pulled the plug on my dearly departed Bubbe, without my input -- regardless of the circumstances.

Tough call all around, though. I'll defer judgment.

Comments

[Lawstud6]

Hank:

These docs were faced with gut wrenching dilemmas under very difficult circumstances. I am surprised that the DA did not also indict GWB as we all know that he is personally responsible for all things bad, evil and wrong in this world and that he actually started the hurricane.

Lawstud

[Lawstud6]

Oh yeah, my favorite flavor of Kool Aide is grape.

Lawstud