UK Court Upholds Decision on Location of Critically Ill Baby's Treatment
Legal Battle for Eight-Month-Old Indi Gregory
In a recent development, the UK Court of Appeal has dismissed the appeal from the parents of eight-month-old Indi Gregory, a critically ill baby suffering from a rare mitochondrial disease. The parents sought to have her life support removed at home instead of in a hospital or hospice, but the court ruled against their plea. This decision follows the High Court's recent ruling that deemed it in the baby's "best interests" to be taken off life support.
Mitochondrial Disease and Life Support
Indi Gregory's condition involves a rare mitochondrial disease, causing her cells to lack sufficient energy production. She has been on full life support since early September. Medical experts contend that she experiences significant pain and distress, with the consensus that continued treatment is futile.
Parents' Legal Challenge
Despite the medical consensus, Indi's parents contested the decision, advocating for her treatment to be removed at home. The court had previously ruled out this option due to the deterioration in the baby's condition since the initial discussions.
Court of Appeal's Verdict
In a remote hearing, the Court of Appeal upheld the previous decision, dismissing the parents' challenge. Lord Justice Peter Jackson stated that the grounds of appeal were "entirely without merit." He acknowledged the sensitivity of the matter but emphasized the legal decision made in full awareness of the profound questions at the heart of the proceedings.
End of the Stay Order
The court's decision also marked the end of the stay order preventing doctors from removing Indi's treatment, which was granted to allow for the appeal.
Family's Discontent and Resolve
Expressing their dissatisfaction with the ruling, Indi's father, Dean Gregory, stated, "This feels like the latest kick in the teeth, and we will not give up fighting for our daughter's chance to live until the end." The family has been receiving support from Christian Concern, a group advocating for their cause.
International Dimensions and Italy's Role
In a previous attempt to seek alternative treatment, Indi's parents requested to take her to the Vatican's children's hospital in Rome, which was denied by the High Court. Recently, the Italian government granted her citizenship, aiming to prevent doctors from discontinuing life support and potentially facilitating a move to Italy.
Lord Justice Peter Jackson clarified that the notion of Italian authorities being better suited to determine the baby's interests was "wholly misconceived." He reiterated that decisions about Indi's treatment fall within the purview of the UK courts, a stance accepted by the baby's father in the appeal.