State has ‘blood on it’s hands’- mother
By Maurice Garvey
THE State has “blood on it’s hands” according to a mother who has exhausted efforts to find closure for her son’s tragic death.
Jake McGill-Lynch (14), died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the family’s Woodford Terrace home in Clondalkin in 2013 - an inquest returned an open verdict.
His parents Stephanie McGill and John Lynch have campaigned for an amendment to the Coroners Act, so that a coroner can have the option of returning a verdict of iatrogenic – medically induced suicide.
Jake was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome in early 2012, and had been prescribed the antidepressant Prozac to help with his anxiety six weeks before taking his own life.
Stephanie and John held a “heated” meeting this week with Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan, after hearing the amendment won’t go ahead due to ‘civic liability circumstances.’
“He did not have an alternative to offer but we are still at a loss as to how we ended up with an open verdict,” said Stephanie.
“His main answer to us was to take the civil action route. Money means jack shit to us. Our lives stopped that day Jake died. We get through the day, have two foster kids, John works for Dublin Fire Brigade, Jakes’ bedroom is still as he left it, but our enjoyment in life is gone.”
Losing her son was like being “hit by an artic truck.”
“It was so hard, that’s why I fight so hard for Jake. I’m not anti-med. Anyone we’ve gone to, it has been in the public’s interest.
“We still have an off-label mentality in this country. Drugs that are not licenced for use but at the discretion of doctors.”
Stephanie recounts a “catalogue of errors” by authorities, from Jake’s last few weeks, to the inquest itself, and the proceeding years.
“Jake didn’t receive occupational therapy or a cognitive behaviour therapist. He was in counselling. I kept pushing for an occupational therapist because Jake was on the Asperger’s Spectrum. When he got an appointment at Cherry Orchard Hospital, it was for a psychiatrist, who prescribed Prozac.
“There was no consent form and it isn’t named on the label. I don’t know how they can be so flippant when at Jake’s age, you are not fully hormonal or allowed to smoke and have sex. They doubled his prescription after seven days.”
Stephanie holds no grudge against Prozac manufacturer Eli Lilly and Company, whom she says “have been very fair with me.”
However, she “won’t hold her breath” in meeting Health Minister Simon Harris, after Minister Flanagan promised to write to him on her behalf.
“He doesn’t seem interested. Harris and Leo Varadkar refused to meet my family. As far as I’m concerned the State has blood on their hands.”
Trying to find closure has been difficult, particularly when other cases such as the inquest of Swords girl Lauren Johnson (23) – who died from a blood clot caused by the medication prescribed for mild acne – resulted in medical misadventure.
“They are both tragically awful but what is the difference between one coroner saying it is because of medication, and the other one can be left open.
“It is not easy when you are up against a big legal team in the courtroom. But I must say we had amazing support in Clondalkin when the tragedy happened and for that I’m eternally grateful. We’ve raised €50k for two charities (Youth Suicide Prevention of Ireland and Aspire), but will pay our own legal bills, because that is our own thing.
“Jake was very civic-minded, respectful and responsible. His school Moyle Park said he represented the ethos of the school. He had lined up work experience in Tallaght Garda Station in September 2013, as he wanted to be a garda. Jake would fight for his mother if the role was reversed, that’s why I fight for him.”
Stephanie is appealing for people to sign an online petition at Goo.gl/cLoFc1 seeking warning labels on Prozac for under 18’s in Ireland.
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