Regards croisés médecins/juristes sur l'affaire Vincent Lambert

The Vincent Lambert's story became “the Lambert case”. A therapeutic protocol limitation, engaged for this patient in a vegetative state for 6 years, was the subject of extensive media coverage following a caregiver conflict and part of the family, leading to a series of court decisions, some of which are currently under investigation. The interpretation of the principle of collegiality that has been done in this case challenges the health professionals, lawyers, and the public. A recent collaboration between the clinical hematology and cell therapy department of Limoges university hospital and the faculty of law (Observatoire des mutations institutionnelles et juridiques), focuses on the patient's consent, led to a common reflection on this matter. We present our ethical questioning and fresh perspective of doctors and lawyers. What about the read to the principle of collegiality sliding toward a unanimity requirement of an extended family? How does health care teams can make when taking care of a patient unable to speak, who did not leave written instructions, when they believe that continued treatment reflects an unreasonable obstinacy? How to respect the patient's wishes previously expressed by oral? In the absence of health care proxy, who is legitimate within the family to be the patient's spokesperson? The interference of law in the care relationship and the judge in this medical decision is it relevant?