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.
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