Removal of Feeding Tube From Woman in Coma Ordered
A judge Tuesday granted a preliminary injunction ordering doctors at an El Monte nursing home to remove a feeding tube from a comatose woman and allow her to die.
The order specifies that no civil or criminal charges can be filed against the operators of the Golden Age Convalescent Hospital by removing the tube that is Avis Flott’s lifeline.
Both the state attorney general and the Los Angeles County district attorney objected to the order, expressing concerns that the decision could establish a precedent that would make it easy for families to terminate elderly relatives’ lives--perhaps for financial purposes--without fear of prosecution. But Superior Court Judge Warren Deering said his order immunizes nursing home authorities from prosecution only when their “sole purpose and intent” is to comply with the court’s order, leaving authorities free in future cases to investigate any potential criminal intent.
Deering stayed his order until Oct. 24 to allow time for appeals.
Flott, 77, has been comatose since a 1979 auto accident.
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