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Life Support For ‘Brain Dead’ California Girl Extended

By Kamal Nayan | Update Date: Dec 31, 2013 10:03 AM EST

A California girl who was declared brain dead after tonsil surgery will continue to be on life support for at least next seven days, a state judge extended the deadline.

Parents of Jahi McMath hailed the decision of extension as an answer to their prayers.

“Who wants to know the date and the time their child would die?” said Jahi McMath’s mother, Nailah Winkfield according to Boston Herald. “I don’t care what anyone has to say about what I’m doing. … I have to do what is right for me and for Jahi.”

According to her, Jahi’s heart is still beating so practically she cannot be considered dead.

Doctors at Children’s Hospital Oakland wanted to take off the machines that were keeping her body functioning but family wanted to continue the support, hoping that she will still pull through, reported Boston Herald.

Alameda County Superior Court Judge Evelio Grillo has now ordered to keep the girl on ventilator until Jan. 7 so that by time, the family could file a petition in state appellate court.

The hospital has also said it would comply with the new rulings, but would certainly oppose any opinions that try to convince that the girl was still alive.

“We are hopeful we will be successful so this tragedy can end,” Sam Singer, a hospital spokesman, said according to Boston Herald.

“He’s giving us a meaningful opportunity to seek relief and what I consider a stay of execution,” said family’s lawyer, Christopher Dolan. “I feel like I’m a death row lawyer, and it does not feel good.”

“I am fighting for the right of parents to direct the health care of their child and for them to make the choice,” he added.

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