Brain-Dead Toddler To Remain On Life Support During Organ Donation Dispute
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A brain-dead 2-year-old girl will remain on life support at a Brooklyn hospital, while her parents argue whether her organs should be donated.
A judge on Monday ordered Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center to keep Thaiya Spruill-Smith on life support for at least another day.
Her mother, Teoka Spruill, wants her organs to go to another child; her father, Terrell Smith, objects.
The toddler was declared brain dead Friday after suffering injuries authorities said apparently were caused by her stepfather violently shaking her.
David Adams was charged Saturday with assault. Prosecutors have said charges likely will be upgraded.
Terrell Smith told The New York Times he's been trying to get custody of Thaiya. He reported his suspicions that his daughter was abused to the Administration for Children's Services.
The agency declined to comment, citing confidentiality laws.
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