Life support for toddler Alfie Evans can stop, judge rules
Alfie's mother left the hearing before the judge reached his conclusion and his father broke down as the decision was announced.
Wednesday 21 February 2018 07:31, UK
A judge has ruled doctors can stop providing life-support treatment to 21-month-old Alfie Evans against his parents' wishes.
The High Court judge ruled in favour of hospital bosses after doctors at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool said continuing to provide treatment was "unkind, unfair and inhumane".
But Alfie's parents Kate James and Tom Evans, who are both in their 20s, wanted treatment to continue.
They believe their son responds to them.
Alfie's mother Kate left the court hearing before the judge reached his conclusion and his father broke down as the decision was announced.
Mr Justice Hayden made his ruling after analysing the dispute at a hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in Liverpool earlier this month.
Doctors said that Alfie, who was born on 9 May 2016, was in a "semi-vegetative state" and had a degenerative neurological condition they had not definitively diagnosed.
The judge had visited Alfie in hospital and has praised his parents for trying to leave no stone unturned.
Mr Justice Hayden said he accepted medical evidence which showed further treatment was futile.
He said his conclusion was reached with great sadness.
"Alfie's need now is for good quality palliative care," he said.
"He requires peace, quiet and privacy in order that he may conclude his life as he has lived it, with dignity."
Around 30 members of "Alfie's Army" were outside the children's hospital supporting the family's campaign as they awaited the decision.
They chanted "Save Alfie Evans" and cried as they received the news.
Danielle Page, 32, from St Helens, said: "It is devastating. He's not lying there like a vegetable, he's a little boy, he's a miracle. He needs a chance.
"Everything that's been thrown at him, he's battled through. We are not going to give up."