This Black Teenager is Dying Because the Hospital is Denying Him a Heart Transplant

To me, this is the institutional racism so many claim doesn't exist. I cannot imagine a white teenager being denied a chance to live because of poor grades. 

Physicians told Anthony Stokes’ family that although he likely has less than six months to live due to an enlarged heart condition, the 15 year old will not be placed on a transplant list due to concerns that he would not attend necessary medical appointments or take his medication. 

“He’s been given a death sentence because of a broad and vague excuse of noncompliance,” said Christine Young Brown, a representative from the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. "Just noncompliance.”

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta spokeswoman Patty Gregory said in a statement, “The wellbeing of our patients is always our first priority. We are continuing to work with this family and looking at all options regarding this patient's health care. We follow very specific criteria in determining eligibility for a transplant of any kind.”

There is something very wrong with this picture. I can only imagine the reaction if a white child were denied a spot on the waiting list for the only thing that would save his or her life.

Black lives are not worth less than white lives, but Anthony Stokes' right to life is being denied. Why?