The Fate of Baby Amy
LEAD: Amy's story touched me deeply, especially for the compassion with which she was allowed to live, and die.
Amy's story touched me deeply, especially for the compassion with which she was allowed to live, and die.
Our son was born dead, asphyxiated at term when the placenta separated too early in labor. He was resuscitated, but there the miracle of his life ended and the nightmare began. He remained without any function, virtually (but not legally) brain dead, maintained only by 'the best' aggressive medical and nursing care. We were never given any significant choice in his care; medical decisions followed their own protocols. Even though there was no possible treatment, we were forced to obtain a court order to restrain the hospital from reviving him each time he died. He finally did, for the last time, at 6 months, almost three years ago.
My sympathy for the family of Baby Amy is matched only by my anger that modern medical practice is rarely so humane.  KATHRYN S. MARCH  Ithaca, N.Y.