Date of Completion
12-1-2024
Degree Type
Honors Thesis
Discipline
Business Law (BLAW)
First Advisor
Sona Gala
Abstract
This paper provides an analysis of the ethical and legal complexities of Dr. Anna Pou’s actions preceding Hurricane Katrina. Faced with the harsh reality that a handful of critically ill patients would not survive or be rescued from the hospital, Dr. Pou administered lethal doses of morphine in a desperate attempt to alleviate her patients' suffering. Ethical dilemmas of palliative care during catastrophic emergencies are explored, as well as an examination of where Memorial Hospital’s executive board failed in its preparedness. One year after Hurricane Katrina, the grand jury refused to indict Dr. Anna Pou and she was exonerated from all homicide charges. It was consensually decided her actions were not rooted in gross negligence or intent.
Recommended Citation
Bonnell, Katherine, "The Case of Dr. Anna Pou: Criminal or Hero?" (2024). Honors Thesis. 563.
https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/honors-thesis/563
