Judge rules baby at Cook Children’s can be taken off life support against family’s wishes

A judge ruled Thursday that a 11-month-old baby can be taken off life support at Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth against the family’s wishes.

The family of Tinslee Lewis, who was born in February with severe medical problems, will appeal the decision, the family’s lawyer, Joe Nixon, said. They are filing an emergency motion to stay which, if granted, will prevent the hospital from removing life-sustaining care while the appeal is ongoing.

The hospital also agreed to keep Tinslee on life support for seven days following the judge’s decision, regardless of whether or not the stay is granted.

Texas Fourth District Court of Appeals Chief Justice Sandee B. Marion made the decision Thursday after listening to arguments at a hearing on Dec. 12. Lawyers for the hospital argued Tinslee will never get better and keeping her on life support is causing her needless suffering.