Twelve-year-old Archie has been in a coma in England for months. His parents do not want to give up hope of recovery. Now the last word has been legally spoken.
In the fight for the life of a terminally ill boy in England, his parents failed in the final court instance. The Supreme Court in London rejected an application by which the parents wanted to continue Archie’s life support.
Archie suffered serious brain injuries in a home accident in April – possibly during an internet dare. The 12-year-old has been in a coma ever since. Several British courts ruled that the doctors could let the boy die. This was in his best interest, it was said as a reason.
Earlier this week, Archie’s family contacted a UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities – which called for action to continue until the application was reviewed. However, the courts did not have to follow the request. Now the legal process should be exhausted.
No prospect of recovery
The Supreme Court justices followed the Court of Appeal’s previous decision, saying that since there was no prospect of true recovery, life support would only “prolong dying.” You don’t make this decision lightly and express “deep sympathy” to Archie’s parents.
“It’s scandalous, really shameful,” Archie’s mother told reporters after the decision outside the east London hospital where the 12-year-old is being held. Her son’s health is improving and in other countries the family would have completely different opportunities. She was deeply disappointed and would “fight to the bitter end”, but it just felt like the “end of the road”. According to the broadcaster Sky News, the devices should be switched off on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. local time (12:00 p.m. CEST).
The case is reminiscent of similar disputes over terminally ill children in Great Britain. The British health service, which is under severe financial pressure, tends to withdraw life support much sooner than would be the case in Germany. In addition, the wishes of parents and relatives are not taken into account to the same extent. What is in the best interests of the patient is often decided by judges on the recommendation of medical professionals.
dpa