The mother of a child from Naples, whose heart transplant resulted in severe damage, has announced the start of end-of-life care procedures aimed at alleviating suffering.
In a live television announcement, a mother from Naples revealed that her son, who received a heart transplant that was critically damaged, is now entering end-of-life care. This care is not euthanasia but instead focuses on transitioning medical treatment to alleviate suffering as the child nears the end of life. After removing sedation, the child did not regain consciousness, prompting the family to seek a shared care plan with the Monaldi Hospital. The family's lawyer, Francesco Petruzzi, explained that a request for this care plan—a process started in 2017 to avoid aggressive treatments—was sent to the hospital, which accepted the proposal within hours. This indicates the care system's responsiveness and willingness to adapt treatment goals based on the patient's prognosis. As part of these procedures, the family will participate in a meeting with medical professionals to plan a pain relief strategy. This situation brings to the forefront discussions about end-of-life care processes in healthcare, the ethical implications of such decisions in pediatric cases, and the support systems available for families facing similar circumstances.
