On Thursday May 26th, the Administrative Appeals Court in Nancy, France examined the request submitted by Vincent Lambert’s nephew, who is yet again demanding the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment for this young man who is in a poorly-relating state. The public rapporteur has asked the Reims University Medical Center to resume the collegial decision-making procedure which can lead to discontinuing artificial nutrition and hydration considering that “there will never be any peace of mind in this case” referring to the family quarrels concerning this issue for the past three years.
Doctor Daniela Simon, who replaced Doctor Kariger, suspended this collegial decision-making procedure on July 23, 2015, judging that “the climate was not safe and sound enough to go on” according to the University Medical Center’s statement.
A decision from the tribunal is expected by June 16, but it is still possible to file an appeal in the Court of Cassation at the State Council.
Vincent Lambert’s parents have filed an appeal to request the examination of the recent appointment of the patient’s wife as legal representative.
Next June 9th the guardianship judge will have to decide on the appointment of a legal representative outside of the family. This would allow for Vincent to be transferred to another medical center, better adapted to the care of patients with brain damage.
