Christian Woman’s Life Ends After Hospital Halts Nutrition Support
The family of Hyacinth McIntosh, a 54-year-old Christian woman, has criticized a court ruling that led to her removal from life support, claiming it violated her beliefs and right to life. McIntosh, who had been in a coma since May 2024 due to a heart attack and severe brain damage, died on December 25, 2024, after a U.K. court allowed the withdrawal of her ventilator, hydration, and feeding. Her family stated that this decision disregarded her religious convictions about the sanctity of life and her desire to remain on life support, leaving the outcome to God.
Despite their objections and a last-minute legal challenge, life support was withdrawn on December 14, and McIntosh continued to breathe on her own for 11 days. Her family claimed this demonstrated that her condition was not as dire as predicted by doctors, who had expected her to survive only a few days. They expressed deep anguish over the process, describing it as cruel and undignified, particularly the decision to deny her hydration, which they argued caused unnecessary suffering.
A retired palliative care expert, Professor Sam Ahmedzai, supported the family, calling the denial of hydration “inhuman and degrading.” He criticized the withdrawal of basic care, suggesting it was unjustified even after ventilation was stopped. Ahmedzai also noted that elements of outdated practices, such as withholding hydration from terminal patients, continue to influence healthcare decisions in some cases.
Andrea Williams, head of the Christian Legal Centre, which supported the family, warned that this case highlights potential dangers for vulnerable patients under future “assisted dying” legislation. She emphasized that laws should protect life rather than promote death. Meanwhile, McIntosh’s family is pushing for dehydration to be listed as the cause of death on her certificate, though they have been informed this will not be done.
The case has sparked broader debates about the treatment of terminally ill patients, religious rights, and ethical decision-making in end-of-life care. The family remains determined to fight for recognition of McIntosh’s beliefs and the dignity they feel was denied to her in her final days.