People with Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy and autism could be left to die of coronavirus; according to new guidelines in the United States.
Measures have been suggested for doctors on who to prioritize for treatment as the country grapples with an outbreak seemingly out of control.
Disability advocates say they are ‘disturbed’ by the guidelines published by the state of Alabama on rationing ventilators should the pandemic stretch their resources.
New guidance published Alabama officials says that ‘persons with severe mental retardation, advanced dementia or severe traumatic brain injury may be poor candidates for ventilator support.’
It goes on to say that ‘persons with severe or profound mental retardation, moderate to severe dementia, or catastrophic neurological complications such as persistent vegetative state are unlikely candidates for ventilator support.’
