Living and laughing with a disability - cerebral palsy; ordinary life, extraordinary circumstances.

Sunday, January 15, 2012

A "No" to transplant because of cognitive disability?

Yesterday I blogged about the ridiculousness of questioning whether a person with a cognitive disability has the ability to understand and accept God's love.

Today I came across an article about young Mia, who needs a kidney transplant to live.  The problem is that the doctor would not recommend Mia for a transplant because of her cognitive disability.

Mia's mom, Chrissy, writes:
"I begin to shake. My whole body trembles and he begins to tell me how she will never be able to get on the waiting list because she is mentally retarded.
A bit of hope. I sit up and get excited.
“Oh, that’s ok! We plan on donating. If we aren’t a match, we come from a large family and someone will donate. We don’t want to be on the list. We will find our own donor.”
“Noooo. She—is—not—eligible –because—of—her—quality– of –life—Because—of—her—mental—delays” He says each word very slowly as if I am hard of hearing."
Please read her post by clicking here.

Takes me back to sixth grade values education...is that what we called it?  You know, 12 people need to be saved and the rubber raft holds six.  I always figured I would not be one of the six who would saved.  I never understood the value of this exercise except to make me feel like junk.

Little Mia...a life not worth saving?  Doctors playing God?

It makes me feel uneasy..

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