Parents get more time with baby on life support

A terminally ill baby will be given more time before life support is withdrawn, the ten-month-old boy’s parents and a London children’s hospital have said.

The development came after the family lost a legal battle earlier this week to take him to the US for experimental therapy.

Charlie Gard, who has a rare genetic condition and brain damage, is unable to breathe unaided. Parents Chris Gard and Connie Yates said they had expected Great Ormond Street Hospital to end life support for Charlie yesterday.

But hours later, the hospital said in a statement that “together with Charlie’s parents we are putting plans in place for his care and to give them more time together as a family”.

Hospital officials also asked that the family and staff be given “space and privacy”.