I’m breaking my hiatus to spread the word.

In the UK, coronavirus patients with learning disabilities are mandatorily labeled “Do Not Resuscitate.”

Some hospitals are claiming that the patients signed off on this decision. However, most of these patients don’t speak English or are otherwise incapable of giving informed consent. And a lot of families aren’t notified about the DNR order until after their loved one has passed away.

This is completely horrifying and unjustifiable, especially considering that people with disabilities are much more likely to die from covid-19 than the general population. Denying anyone life-saving treatment is insane, but to actively discriminate against the most vulnerable members of society?

We need to talk about this.