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injunctionappealtriallease
injunctiontriallease

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Stamford Hosp. v. Vega, 236 Conn. 646, 674 A.2d 821, 64 USLW 2686

Facts

Nelly E. Vega, a Jehovah's Witness, was admitted to Stamford Hospital to deliver her first child. She executed a release refusing blood transfusions, citing her religious beliefs. After complications arose post-delivery, the hospital sought an injunction to administer a blood transfusion against her wishes. The trial court granted the injunction, leading to Vega's appeal after the transfusion was administered.

Nelly E. Vega, a Jehovah's Witness, was admitted to Stamford Hospital to deliver her first child. She executed a release refusing blood transfusions, citing her religious beliefs.

Issue

Did the trial court improperly grant the hospital's request for an injunction permitting it to administer blood transfusions to Vega against her wishes?

Did the trial court improperly grant the hospital's request for an injunction permitting it to administer blood transfusions to Vega against her wishes?

Rule

A patient has a common-law right of bodily self-determination, which includes the right to refuse medical treatment, even if that refusal may lead to death.

A patient has a common-law right of bodily self-determination, which includes the right to refuse medical treatment, even if that refusal may lead to death.

Analysis

The court analyzed the hospital's interests in preserving life and the ethical integrity of the medical profession against Vega's right to refuse treatment. It concluded that while the hospital's interests were legitimate, they could not override Vega's clearly expressed refusal of blood transfusions, which was informed and competent.

The court analyzed the hospital's interests in preserving life and the ethical integrity of the medical profession against Vega's right to refuse treatment.

Conclusion

The court reversed the judgment of the Appellate Court, holding that the trial court's injunction permitting the hospital to administer blood transfusions to Vega violated her common-law right of bodily self-determination.

The court reversed the judgment of the Appellate Court, holding that the trial court's injunction permitting the hospital to administer blood transfusions to Vega violated her common-law right of bodily self-determination.

Who won?

Nelly E. Vega prevailed in the case because the court upheld her right to refuse medical treatment, emphasizing the importance of bodily autonomy.

Nelly E. Vega prevailed in the case because the court upheld her right to refuse medical treatment, emphasizing the importance of bodily autonomy.

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