A high court judge has cited Pope Francis to argue that life support should be withdrawn from a baby.
Alfie Evans’s parents wanted their child to receive treatment at the Bambino Gesù hospital in Rome, where three consultants offered to operate on him to improve his breathing, allowing him to survive for an “undefined period”.
But Mr Justice Hayden ruled that Alfie could not be taken abroad, but should have life support eventually withdrawn. The parents are hoping to appeal against the decision.
Doctors at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool said continuing life support would be “unkind, unfair and inhumane”. Justice Hayden said Alfie was now only being kept alive by a ventilator and therefore: “It drives me reluctantly, and with great sadness, to one conclusion”: that the baby should “conclude his life as he has lived it”.
The judge cited a letter written last year by Pope Francis to the Pontifical Academy for Life, in which the Pontiff cautioned against “over-zealous treatment” and said that “To determine whether a clinically appropriate medical intervention is actually proportionate, the mechanical application of a general rule is not sufficient.”
The judge said: “I am satisfied that continued ventilatory support is no longer in Alfie’s interests. This decision I appreciate will be devastating news to Alfie’s parents.”
The judge paid tribute to Alfie’s parents, saying they had tried to explore every avenue. The child’s mother had left court before the judge had concluded his announcement, and Alfie’s father broke down at the judgment.
Scottish bishops’ agency opposes ban on smacking
The Church has signalled that it opposes a proposed ban on smacking in Scotland, saying that it would “criminalise parents for chastising their children”.
A bill, introduced by Green MSP John Finnie, is expected to be debated at Holyrood in the summer. It has the backing of the Scottish government and is likely to pass into law.
Anthony Horan, director of the Catholic Parliamentary Office, an agency of the bishops’ conference, said: “A bill which would criminalise parents for chastising their children appears to have little public support.” He cited a ComRes poll that suggested only 14 per cent of people supported a proposed ban.
Mr Horan added: “It is not the role of the state to interfere in how parents go about building a strong relationship with their children, except in the most exceptional circumstances.”
The bill aims to remove the defence of “justifiable assault” which parents can use at present. It is supported by the Church of Scotland, children’s charities and the United Nations. If it is made into law Scotland will be the first part of Britain to introduce such a ban.
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