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| Doctors Approve Neb. Inmate's Liver Transplant |
| By KETV |
| Published: 02/14/2003 |
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Doctors at the University of Nebraska Medical Center have approved a liver transplant for a woman who was convicted of first-degree murder 20 years ago. Carole Joy, 49, is serving a life sentence at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women in York. She admits her disease was caused by drug and alcohol use during her days as a prostitute. She was convicted in 1983 of robbing, sexually assaulting and murdering another prostitute in Omaha. The decision to give a liver to a convicted murderer has raised eyebrows among the 100 Nebraskans waiting to be put on the transplant list. Dr. Alan Langnas, of the Med Center, said it's his job to be an advocate for patients -- not pass judgment on her past lifestyle. 'I think we all looked into our hearts and decided what it is supposed to be that we are doing and we are supposed to be advocates for patients - that's our primary role - not to pass judgment on what society thinks is right or wrong,' Langnas said. The U.S. Supreme Court in 1976 ruled that prisoners have a constitutional right to equal medical care. Joy has not yet been added to the waiting list, but she is being evaluated. Doctors said Joy needs to control her diabetes and lose weight before she can receive a transplant. The operation and follow-up care could cost the state as much as $500,000. |
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