The Case of Haleigh Poutre

Haleigh Poutre is a 11-year old girl who authorities claim was severely beaten by her stepfather until she fell into a vegetative state.  The Massachusetts Department of Social Services sought court permission to remove her from life support.  The stepfather opposed the request because his criminal charges would be elevated from assault to murder if Haleigh dies.

On January 17, 2006, the Supreme Judicial Court authorized the removal of life support.  See Pam Belluck, Boston Court Approves Ending Life Support for Girl in Coma, NY Times, Jan. 18, 2006.

Haleigh has been removed from her ventilator and is now breathing on her own.  However, she cannot swallow and no time has yet been set for the removal of her feeding tube.  There is some evidence of responsiveness.  Will a Schiavo-esq battle ensue?  See Comatose beaten girl breathing on her own, CNN.com, Jan. 19, 2006.