Anaheim mother of seven to be taken off life support, family confirms

ByABC7.com staff KABC logo
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Lisa Avila slipped into a coma after suffering an ectopic pregnancy.
Lisa Avila slipped into a coma after suffering an ectopic pregnancy.
KABC-KABC

ANAHEIM, Calif. (KABC) -- The family of a pregnant woman, who slipped into a coma after doctors at Anaheim Regional Medical Center allegedly failed to detect she was suffering an ectopic pregnancy, has agreed to take her off life support.

Lisa Avila, a mother of seven, went into cardiac arrest and slipped into a coma after she was sent home from the hospital on Feb. 14.

The family blames Anaheim Regional Medical Center for misdiagnosing an ectopic pregnancy, where the embryo is implanted outside the uterus.

The hospital had planned to remove Avila's ventilator on March 20 after two doctors declared Avila brain-dead, but her family fought to keep her on life support.

After meeting with hospital officials, Avila's family was able to bring in their own neurologist who did not detect any brain activity. The family plans to take Avila off of life support around 5 p.m. Friday.

Anaheim Regional Medical Center has not commented on the case due to patient privacy laws.

"This is a very difficult situation. We extend our deepest, heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of the patient. They remain in our thoughts and prayers," the hospital said in a statement.

The family has set up a GoFundMe account. You can donate here: http://www.gofundme.com/Mother-in-coma.