A heartbreaking clash between personal beliefs and healthcare policy emerges as Cincinnati Children’s Hospital denies a 12-year-old, Adaline Deal, a heart transplant over her vaccination status.
Key Takeaways
- Adaline Deal, an Indiana girl, is denied a heart transplant due to refusal to vaccinate against coronavirus and flu.
- She suffers from Ebstein’s anomaly and Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome and was adopted from China.
- Hospital policies require vaccinations for eligibility, excluding religious exemptions.
- Adaline’s family, citing religious beliefs, opposes vaccination and seeks alternative centers.
- The family has raised funds and reached out to Boston Children’s Hospital for possible assistance.
Transplant Denial and Family’s Beliefs
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital denied Adaline Deal, aged 12, a spot on the heart transplant candidate list because she is not vaccinated against coronavirus and the flu. The family, which takes a firm religious stance against these vaccines, conflicts with the hospital’s transplant policy demanding vaccination for eligibility. Adaline’s case has sparked national controversy and debate over the balance between healthcare requirements and personal convictions.
Adaline, related to Vice President JD Vance, was born with rare heart conditions, including Ebstein’s anomaly and Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome, making a transplant crucial for her survival. Her mother, Janeen Deal, holds strong reservations against vaccines, citing safety concerns based on her religious beliefs.
Navigating Healthcare Policies
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital mandates vaccinations for transplant consideration, a decision not overridden for any religious exemptions in Adaline’s case. This policy remains grounded in scientific guidance, as the hospital spokesperson Bo McMillan stated, “At Cincinnati Children’s, clinical decisions are guided by science, research and best practices.”
“The first year after transplant is when they’re at highest risk for infection, but they do have a lifelong risk of severe disease and transplant patients are still dying…” – Dr. Camille Kotton
Despite this ruling, the family strives to find an institution with different protocols. They have raised over $50,000 through public fundraising for her transplant and communicated with Boston Children’s Hospital seeking admission, pending Cincinnati’s approval.
Legislative and Community Efforts
In a bid to circumvent the stringent vaccination prerequisite, Jeneen Deal turned to Ohio Advocates for Medical Freedom. Stephanie Stock, representing the organization, highlights the systemic discrimination aspect by stating, “You can’t even get on the list until you get the shots. You get the shots, or you don’t get a heart.”
“We’re just buying time here. I’m just hoping we have time.” – Deal
The political arena is also part of this healthcare dilemma, with Ohio House Bill 319, the Conscientious Right to Refuse Act, rallying support to protect individuals refusing mRNA vaccines. However, Adaline’s parents face the pressing challenge of timing, as legislative progress may not be swift enough to meet her urgent medical needs.
Sources
1. Ohio Hospital Denies New Heart for 12-Year-Old Relative of Vance, Says Family
2. JD Vance’s 12-year-old relative denied heart transplant because she is unvaccinated
