Who is the Patient?

The individual awaiting a transplant is Leilani Lutali, a Colorado resident who is currently facing stage 5 renal failure.

To clarify, the kidney health classification ranges from 1 to 5, with stage 5 being the most severe. This indicates that her kidneys are at a critical point, necessitating regular dialysis to filter her blood if they fail completely.

In terms of dialysis coverage, the policies in countries like the UK, Australia, and the US typically ensure government funding. Dialysis may serve as a temporary solution while awaiting a transplant; however, if a transplant is not feasible, it becomes a long-term necessity.

Lutali has a donor, her friend Jaimee Fougner, whom she met during a bible study. Jaimee has stepped forward to donate her kidney.

The Core Issue

UCHealth mandates that both transplant recipients and their donors must be vaccinated against COVID-19. Both Lutali and Fougner have consistently declined the vaccine. Fougner expressed her concerns, stating, “The decision regarding treatment options should be a personal choice. In Leilani’s situation, that choice has been stripped away. Her life is now at risk due to this mandate.”

Fougner cites religious beliefs as her reason for refusing the vaccine, while Lutali mentions apprehensions due to uncertainties surrounding it. Until recently, they were both under the impression that vaccination was not a prerequisite for the transplant.

“By the end of August, we were informed that no COVID vaccine was required at that time,” Lutali noted. “However, on September 28, we learned of the policy regarding the vaccination for both donor and recipient.”

The letter Leilani received from UCHealth explained their rationale:

As stated by UCHealth, “The mortality rate for transplant patients who contract COVID-19 ranges from 20% to over 30%. This highlights the significant risk posed by COVID-19 to transplant recipients post-surgery.”

Important Considerations

Transplant recipients must take immune-suppressing medications to enhance the likelihood of kidney acceptance. This renders even minor infections potentially life-threatening, underscoring the necessity for preventive measures.

Furthermore, the COVID-19 vaccination is not the sole requirement; numerous other vaccinations, such as those for hepatitis B and MMR, are also mandated, alongside lifestyle adjustments. This is not a matter of selective adherence; compliance with all stipulations is essential.

Despite searching for alternative facilities, Lutali and Fougner discovered that every transplant center in Colorado upholds the same vaccination policies.

Fougner remarked, “How can I stand by and allow them to let my friend suffer when I can save her life with my kidney?”

However, it’s essential to note that the situation at hand is not equivalent to “murder” but rather a consequence of personal choice. Importantly, Lutali will continue to receive dialysis.

Reasons for Vaccine Refusal

Lutali has explicitly stated that her refusal to get vaccinated stems from concerns regarding the involvement of fetal cell lines in vaccine development. While various cell lines derived from fetal tissue have been utilized in the testing of medical products, it’s crucial to clarify that none of the COVID vaccines contain any fetal tissue.

The cell lines used today are several generations removed from the original samples. This issue has been cited by some as a justification for their anti-vaccine stance.

The contradiction in their reasoning is noteworthy. Many commonly used medications, such as Tylenol and Zoloft, have also undergone testing using these cell lines. It’s likely that individuals who reject the COVID vaccine for “religious reasons” are unaware of or indifferent to the origins of other medications they use.

The Catholic Church's Position

The Catholic Church, known for its strong anti-abortion stance, has taken a clear position on this matter. The Vatican has stated that it is “morally acceptable” for Catholics to receive COVID-19 vaccines that were developed using cell lines derived from aborted fetuses. Their reasoning emphasizes that receiving such vaccines does not equate to supporting abortion.

For those struggling with these ethical dilemmas, the Vatican’s guidance offers a path forward, affirming that individuals can opt for vaccination with a clear conscience.

The Implications for Leilani and Jaimee

It appears that Lutali and Fougner have been misled by their close-knit community. Evangelicalism, a prominent demographic in the US, often portrays itself as “persecuted.” This narrative may lead them to frame UCHealth’s policy as part of a larger oppression narrative, possibly hoping Lutali will become a martyr for their cause.

The Shift in Evangelical Anti-Abortion Sentiment

Interestingly, the evangelical movement's focus on abortion is a relatively recent phenomenon. In the 1970s, many evangelicals viewed abortion as primarily a “Catholic issue.” However, this perspective shifted by the late 1970s, when abortion became a rallying point for political mobilization, ultimately serving to further their interests in maintaining racial segregation.

Next Steps for the Future

It would be ideal if Lutali and Fougner reconsidered their stance and opted for vaccination. However, given that they have gone public with their views, retracting their position may now prove difficult. The ultimate accountability lies with those who instilled the anti-abortion sentiment within the evangelical community, which was once largely neutral or even supportive of pro-choice perspectives.