Joseph Maraachli case
Joseph Maraachli | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 22, 2010 Windsor, Ontario, Canada |
| Died | September 27, 2011 (aged 1 year 8 months) Windsor, Ontario, Canada |
| Parent(s) | Moe and Sana Maraachli |
The Joseph Maraachli case refers to an international controversy over the life of Joseph Maraachli, commonly known as Baby Joseph, a Canadian infant who was diagnosed with a rare progressive and incurable neurological disorder called Leigh's disease. After Canadian doctors refused to perform a tracheotomy, calling the procedure invasive and futile, Joseph's parents fought to have him transferred to the United States, arguing that while Joseph's disease was terminal, a tracheotomy would extend his life and allow him to die at home. After several months and efforts by American anti-abortion groups, Joseph was transferred to a Catholic hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, where the procedure was performed.
The successfully-obtained procedure extended Joseph's life for several months. Joseph died on Tuesday, September 27, 2011, at his home.