Anguish as judge rules doctors can let Alfie die
THE parents of a critically-ill toddler spoke of their heartbreak last night after losing a High Court battle to keep him alive.
Doctors wanted to stop giving 21-month-old Alfie Evans vital treatment but his parents Kate James, 20, and Tom Evans, 21, begged for the chance to prolong his life by flying him to a hospital in Rome for specialist help.
But Mr Justice Hayden, who visited Alfie in hospital, sided “with great sadness” with Alfie’s doctors and accepted medical evidence that further treatment was futile.
“Alfie’s need now is for good quality palliative care. He requires peace, quiet and privacy in order that he may conclude his life as he has lived it, with dignity,” the judge said.
“This decision I appreciate will be devastating news to Alfie’s parents. I hope they will take time to read this judgment again.”
Mr Justice Hayden also revealed Pope Francis had written a letter to the court discussing medical intervention in cases of life or death.
Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s Hospital is due to withdraw life support from Alfie, who has a degenerative neurological condition, on Friday but his father is considering a final appeal.
Mr Evans, who broke down as the shattering decision was announced, said: “I need time to reflect on the judgment.” Outside Alder Hey Hospital yesterday, about 30 “Alfie’s Army” supporters wept and exchanged hugs. “It is devastating,” said Danielle Page, 32, from St Helens.