Judge Orders Marlise Munoz to Be Taken Off Life Support

Finally, after nearly two months being kept on life support, Marlise Munoz will be allowed to die. Just after 4:15 p.m., a Tarrant County Judge sided with Munoz' family, declaring her legally dead and ordering her removed from support. The decision came after less than an hour of debate. Fort...

By Eric Nicholson

January 24, 2014

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Finally, after nearly two months being kept on life support, Marlise Munoz will be allowed to die.

Just after 4:15 p.m., a Tarrant County Judge sided with Munoz' family, declaring her legally dead and ordering her removed from support.

The decision came after less than an hour of debate. Fort Worth's JPS Hospital, which was being represented by the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office, argued that they have an interest in protecting Munoz fetus, now 22 weeks. Attorneys for the Munoz family said the hospital was conducting a "science experiment."

Under the judge's order, JPS must remove Munoz from life support no later than 5 p.m. Monday. Amy Silverstein is at the hearing and will follow up with a more detailed account later.

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