Aleteia logoAleteia logoAleteia
Tuesday 05 November |
Saint of the Day: Bl. María del Carmen Viel Ferrando
Aleteia logo
News
separateurCreated with Sketch.

Parents of Charlie Gard give up battle for experimental treatment

Schermata 2017-07-01 alle 12.48.23

Instagram/Charlie's fight

Zelda Caldwell - published on 07/24/17

Attorney for the parents told High Court that doctors advised that there was no hope for recovery

A lawyer representing the parent of critically ill baby Charlie Gard said that the family has ended their legal battle to take him to the United States for treatment.

Grant Armstrong told Britain’s High Court that “time had run out” for the baby after American neurologist Dr. Michio Hirano informed the parents that MRI exams revealed that it would be too late to give him experimental therapy, according to a BBC report.

“The parents’ worst nightmare have been confirmed,” Armstrong said.

Charlie Gard suffers from a genetic mutation called encephalomyopathic mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome, which leads to weakened muscles and organ dysfunction. According to the BBC report, the parents are now prepared to move the 11-month-old to palliative care.

The Gards had raised £1.3m in donations to take Charlie to the United States for treatment. Doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital, where Charlie has been treated since October of 2016, received permission from the European Court of Human Rights in June to take Charlie off life support.

The case received attention worldwide, with Pope Francis and President Donald Trump voicing their support for Charlie’s parents.



Read more:
Charlie Gard’s life is the life he has; he’s entitled to it. And doctors don’t know everything

Tags:
Pro-life
Enjoying your time on Aleteia?

Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you.

Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more.

2025-Aleteia-Pilgrimage-300×250-1.png
Daily prayer
And today we celebrate...




Top 10
See More
Newsletter
Get Aleteia delivered to your inbox. Subscribe here.