A mother has brought an application for High Court orders halting the artificial feeding and hydration of her daughter, aged in her 20s and in a vegetative state for almost 10 years. The daughter has been in a vegetative state since she suffered a cardiac arrest or arrests when aged 18 arising, it is believed, from an overdose of an illicit substance. The woman’s mother and stepfather favoured a DNR notice but also believed it was not in her best interests for her current treatment to continue. The mother was unable to attend court for the wardship matter but had indicated she wished to apply for orders ceasing her daughter’s current treatment regime. The mother wants the court to make orders which would bring about removal of feeding and hydration “with the inevitable consequence that would have for any human being”.

Source: The Irish Times June 17, 2020 14:13 UTC