On June 27th, St. David’s released the following statement about Hickson’s passing:
The loss of life is tragic under any circumstances. In Mr. Hickson’s situation, his court-appointed guardian (who was granted decision-making authority in place of his spouse) made the decision in collaboration with the medical team to discontinue invasive care. This is always a difficult decision for all involved. We extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Hickson’s family and loved ones and to all who are grieving his loss.
However, Melissa doesn’t mince words when she says her husband was murdered. She is asking people to share her story and to seek justice for cases such as her husband’s. “Now today, I’m a widow and my children fatherless because someone decided that his life wasn’t worth treating. That’s not right.”
Pro-Life and Disability Advocates Echo Melissa’s Outrage
Right-to-life advocates have been sharing Melissa’s story, calling what happened to her husband “medical racism and ableism.”
This is ableism & racism.
As a Brain Injury Medicine physician, I have fought for patients like this every day.
Begging doctors who don’t know the outcome data or “wouldn’t want to live that way” to give a chance at treatment, rehab, & life.
Say his name #MichaelHickson https://t.co/6zUBDnwZTV— Monica Verduzco-Gutierrez, MD (@MVGutierrezMD) June 28, 2020
ADAPT of TX is outside St. David’s Hospital in Austin demanding justice for #MichaelHickson, a disabled black man, who was denied treatment and food and died on June 11, 2020 #DisabledNotDisposable #LivesWorthyOfLife #BlackDisabledLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/6i87alQM1j
— ADAPT National (@RealNatlADAPT) June 28, 2020
The death of Michael Hickson has left me heart sick and angry. It’s devastating to read.
And Steven’s thread below should be read, considered soberly, and prayed through. Then we should do everything we can to advocate for and serve loved ones and friends w/ disabilities. https://t.co/L7NSrAX4Mj
— Thabiti Anyabwile (@ThabitiAnyabwil) June 30, 2020
Hickson’s death certainly raises a lot of ethical questions. As Pastor Thabiti Anyabwile expressed, it hard not to feel “heart sick and angry” after reading about the circumstances surrounding his lack of care.
