Doctors in the UK are allowed to stop life support for a terminally ill 12-year-old. It’s in Archie’s best interest, Justice Anthony Hayden ruled in London’s High Court on Friday.
The boy had suffered severe brain injuries in a domestic accident in April – possibly in a dare from the Internet. The 12-year-old has been in a coma ever since. His parents objected to the doctors’ plans and want to challenge the decision. They claim that Archie’s heart is still beating.
The judge said the medical evidence was “strong and unanimous” and painted a “dark picture”. “Archie’s mother described him as a fighter and I have no doubt that he was,” Hayden said. “But the fight (. ..) is no longer under Archie’s control. The damage to his brain has deprived him of all physical autonomy.”
The case is reminiscent of similar disputes over terminally ill children in Great Britain. The financially squeezed British health service tends to withdraw life support much sooner than would be the case in Germany. In addition, the wishes of parents and relatives are not taken into account to the same extent. What is in the best interests of the patient is often decided by judges on the recommendation of medical professionals.
