Let’s learn the lessons from tragic Alfie
I SPENT quite a lot of last week obsessing over the tragic case of Alfie evans. I thought his father, Tom, conducted himself with incredible dignity and grace in what must have been the most agonising of circumstances.
Now that Alfie has sadly died, I do think it’s time to address the plight of families in similar situations, where the judgment of professionals is at odds with the hopes of the parents.
Any mother or father facing the death of a child is bound to cling to even the tiniest shred of hope, however far-fetched; likewise, doctors should not be vilified for being honest and acting in a way that they consider practical and rational.
The last thing either party should have to do is resort to the law. That is why it is worth highlighting the work of Charlie Gard’s parents.
last year, Charlie, you may remember, was in a very similar situation to Alfie, when his mum and dad, Connie and Chris, fought — and lost — for the right to take him to America for treatment. his parents are now working to establish a ‘ Charlie’s law’ to stop parents ‘experiencing painful and prolonged conflicts with medical professionals’.
Wouldn’t it be nice if the house of Commons (and even the lords) could find the time to stop hurling insults about Brexit — and debate something that affects the lives of the people they are supposed to represent.