• The Hickson v. St. David's case challenges equal access to healthcare for disabled individuals under the ADA and Section 504.
• Michael Hickson, a disabled Black man, was allegedly denied critical care at an Austin hospital, leading to a lawsuit by his estate.
• A ruling against Hickson could weaken disability rights and create a precedent for limiting disability discrimination claims in healthcare.

The case of Hickson v. St. David's Healthcare Partnership, currently before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, centers on allegations that Michael Hickson, a disabled man, was denied adequate medical care at an Austin-area hospital in 2020. Hickson's estate argues that the hospital's decisions were influenced by ableism, violating the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The Fifth Circuit's ruling has the potential to significantly impact disability rights and healthcare access for disabled individuals.

• What: The Hickson v. St. David's case examines whether a hospital discriminated against Michael Hickson, a disabled man, by denying him medical care, specifically mechanical ventilation, during his COVID-19 treatment.
• Who: Key individuals include Michael Hickson, his wife Melissa Hickson, doctors at St. David's Healthcare Partnership, and legal representatives from both sides. Organizations involved include the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, New Disabled South, Not Dead Yet, and Disability Rights Mississippi.
• When: The events occurred in 2020, specifically in May and June when Hickson contracted COVID-19 and subsequently died. The lawsuit was filed in 2021, lost in October and appealed shortly after. The amicus brief was filed on April 7.
• Where: The events took place in Austin, Texas, and the case is being heard by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Hickson v. St. David's case is significant because it could set a precedent for how disability rights are interpreted and enforced in healthcare settings. The Fifth Circuit's conservative leanings raise concerns among disability rights advocates, who fear that a ruling against Hickson's estate could weaken existing protections. The case also highlights the intersection of disability, race, and class, as noted by Jamelia Morgan, emphasizing the potential for compounded discrimination. The outcome could have far-reaching implications for access to care and the treatment of disabled individuals in medical facilities.

"As of right now, his quality of life, he doesn’t have much of one."

"They made decisions about the quality of his life, or whether he should even live, based on significant ableism that devalued his life."

"When a medical facility makes a decision to deny medical care to a person with a disability...it runs afoul of federal civil rights laws."

The Hickson v. St. David's case presents a critical juncture for disability rights in healthcare. The Fifth Circuit's decision will determine the extent to which disabled individuals are protected against discrimination in medical settings. While the legal arguments are based on existing laws like the ADA and Section 504, the court's interpretation could either reinforce or weaken these protections, impacting the future of healthcare access for people with disabilities. The case remains ongoing, with disability rights advocates closely monitoring the proceedings.