Final French Decision in Vincent Lambert Medical Futility Case

Late last month, I blogged that the Administrative Court of Chalons-en-Champagne had instructed physicians at the hospital of Reims to NOT implement their decision to stop nutrition and artificial hydration for Vincent Lambert. 



Lambert's medical team had earlier determined that he was in a situation of "unreasonable obstinacy" (aka "therapeutic obstinacy" or "medical futility.").  But the court held that "continuing treatment was neither unnecessary nor disproportionate and was not intended only for the artificial maintenance of life."



Lambert's wife, who supports comfort measure only, appealed the court's decision.  The decision of the State Council, the highest French administrative court, was scheduled to be delivered today.  But the court has postponed the decision until 2:00 p.m. tomorrow.