Court Sentences Eight-Week-Old Baby To Death

A June 27 ruling from a European human rights court is forcing the English parents of a gravely ill baby to make their last, painful goodbyes to their son.

Chris Gard and Connie Yates have been in a legal battle over potentially life-saving treatment for their son, 10-month-old Charlie, since October of 2016. Charlie was born with a rare genetic condition. His parents believe an experimental treatment available in the United States will help him survive.

Their last legal battle was with the European Human Rights Court (EHRC), determining if they, as parents, have the right to continue to provide medical treatments for their son or if he should be allowed to die rather than continue in his condition, as his doctors have recommended.

The EHRC ruled Tuesday that the parents' application is "inadmissible." They believe Charlie is "being exposed to continued pain, suffering and distress," and any additional treatment would "continue to cause Charlie significant harm."

The full text of the EHRC ruling has not yet been made public, and the court has stated its decision is "final." The EHRC also removed the interim measure to keep Charlie's life support in place.

A spokesman for Great Ormond Street Hospital, where Charlie has been treated since October, has told the parents that there is "no rush" to remove Charlie's life support, and "any future treatment plans will involve careful planning and discussion." The hospital has said that though there is a deadline in place for Charlie, they wouldn't have to follow it exactly. The discussion and planning will take some days to work out.

Read the full article here  

This content was originally published by Churchmilitant.com. Original publishers retain all rights.