Charlie Gard’s parents end fight to save terminally ill baby’s life

Jul 25, 2017

LONDON: The parents of terminally ill baby Charlie Gard have decided to end their fight to save their baby’s life.

Barrister Grant Armstrong, representing Connie Yates and Chris Gard, told Mr Justice Francis that “time had run out” following the latest medical reports and scans.

The parents made their decision after American neurologist Dr Michio Hirano said it was too late to give baby Charlie nucleoside therapy after he saw the results of a new MRI scan last week.

Mr Armstrong said the parents’ “worst nightmare has been confirmed”.

In a statement, the Bishop’s Conference of England and Wales said:

“Following today’s decision by the parents of Charlie Gard, the Bishops of England and Wales express their deepest sympathy and compassion for them and for their son.

“It is some weeks now since Pope Francis said that he was following “with affection and emotion the case of little Charlie Gard and expresses his own closeness to his parents. For them he prays, hoping that their desire to accompany and care for their own child to the end is not ignored”.

“Indeed it is for Charlie, his parents and family that we all pray, hoping that they are able, as a family, to be given the support and the space to find peace in the days ahead. Their farewell to their tiny and precious baby touches the hearts of all who, like Pope Francis, have followed this sad and complex story. Charlie’s life will be lovingly cherished until its natural end.

“At this moment it is important to remember that all involved in these agonising decisions have sought to act with integrity and for Charlie’s good as they see it. The professionalism, love and care for severely ill children consistently shown at the Great Ormond Street Hospital is also to be recognised and applauded.”--Catholic Herald