Judge Quits Pregnant, Brain-Dead Woman's Lawsuit

The judge in the case of a hospital's refusal to remove a brain-dead, pregnant Texas woman from life support has recused herself from the lawsuit.

State District Judge Melody Wilkinson recused herself Thursday from the lawsuit over the status of Marlise Munoz. Wilkinson offered no explanation and a message left at her home Thursday evening wasn't returned.

Erick Munoz sued John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth on Tuesday, seeking his wife's removal from life support. He says his pregnant wife lost consciousness in November, and his attorneys said Thursday that Marlise Munoz's medical records confirm she's brain-dead. Both Munozes are paramedics who have chosen not to have life support in this situation.

Hospital officials contend Texas law prohibits them from removing life support because the woman is pregnant.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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