From the ArcaMax Publishing, News & Features Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/newsheadlines/s-346302-137132
PHOENIX (UPI) -- An Arizona judge has blocked a hospital from sending
a comatose woman, who is in the United States legally, back to her
native Honduras, papers show.
Sonia del Cid Iscoa has been in a coma in St. Joseph's Hospital and
Medical Center since she gave birth to a daughter prematurely April
20, The Arizona Republic reported Sunday.
The newspaper reported that Iscoa is in the United States legally
through temporary-protection status.
The hospital, part of Catholic Healthcare West, can treat patients for
acute emergency needs but because the facilities aren't built to
provide long-term care, patients must be transferred when the medical
crisis has passed.
John Curtin, Iscoa's attorney, said the hospital is attempting to
deport Iscoa.
"You don't take someone who's unconscious and helpless and move them
out of the country over the objections of their family," Curtin said.
"I understand the hospital's concerns about being paid. But the
hospital cannot do what the U.S. government would not be allowed to
do."
A Maricopa County judge Friday gave Iscoa's family until noon Tuesday
to put up a bond of $20,000 to ensure Iscoa's care while the case is
heard.