Pope Francis is praying for the parents of Charlie Gard after they ended their legal fight over treatment for their critically-ill son, saying it is “too late” for the treatment to work.
In a move that brings an end to a five-month legal case in which Great Ormond Street hospital (GOSH) argued Charlie’s life support should be switched off to prevent him suffering further, the child’s parents said on 24 July that they want to withdraw their application for him to receive experimental treatment in the US.
"Pope Francis is praying for Charlie and his parents and feels especially close to them at this time of immense suffering," read a statement released by the Vatican's press office on 24 July.
It continued, saying that the pope, who has followed the case with "affection and emotion" has asked "that we join in prayer that they may find God’s consolation and love."
Grant Armstrong, the lawyer representing Charlie’s parents, Chris Gard and Connie Yates, told presiding judge, Mr Justice Francis, that the case had become about time. Sadly “time has run out”, he said.
Mr Armstrong said Charlie's parents had made a decision following the latest medical reports and scans.
He said damage to Charlie's muscle and tissue was irreversible.
"The parents' worst fears have been confirmed," he said. "It is now too late to treat Charlie."
In an emotional statement read to the court Ms Yates said: "This is one of the hardest things that we will ever have to say and we are about to do the hardest thing that we'll ever have to do which is to let our beautiful little Charlie go.”
She said that the care given to Charlie by Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) had been “second to none” but that is now too late for Charlie to receive treatment.
“There is one simple reason for Charlie's muscles deteriorating to the extent they are in now - time. A whole lot of wasted time. Had Charlie been given the treatment sooner he would have had the potential to be a normal, healthy little boy,” she said.
She continued: “We are now in July and our poor boy has been left to just lie in hospital for months without any treatment whilst lengthy court battles have been fought.”
“Charlie has been left with his illness to deteriorate, sadly, to the point of no return,” she said.
Chris Gard and Connie Yates made their decision after Dr Michia Hirano, a US professor of neurology, said the therapy was no longer a viable option.
Dr Hirano had previously said the nucleoside bypass therapy had a minimum 10 per cent chance of bringing about significant improvement in Charlie’s condition. He said that the treatment was no longer possible after having flown to the UK to look at the most recent MRI and EEG scans and to examine Charlie in person, on the request of Mr Justice Francis.
Katie Gollop, the lawyer representing Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) where Charlie has been treated since last October, said the hearts of each person at the hospital "go out to Charlie, his mother and father…We have more sorrow than I have words to say.”
Mr Justice Francis paid tribute to Charlie's parents and said no-one could comprehend their agony and no parents could have done more.
He also criticised people who he said had ignorantly expressed opinions on the case on social media.
“A lot of things have been said by those who know almost nothing about this case but feel entitled to express opinions,” said Francis.
He added that it was a “disgrace” that Great Ormond Street medics had been subjected to abuse and threats.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales said they offered their "deepest sympathy and compassion" to Charlie and his parents.
"Their farewell to their tiny and precious baby touches the hearts of all who, like Pope Francis, have followed this sad and complex story. Charlie’s life will be lovingly cherished until its natural end," a spokesperson said on behalf of the bishops.
"At this moment it is important to remember that all involved in these agonising decisions have sought to act with integrity and for Charlie’s good as they see it. The professionalism, love and care for severely ill children consistently shown at the Great Ormond Street Hospital is also to be recognised and applauded," continued the spokesperson.
Charlie’s parents who had raised £1.3 million in donations in order to take their son to the US for treatment have said they will establish a foundation, so Charlie’s voice “continues to be heard”.
Outside the court, supporters – who call themselves Charlie's Army - reacted angrily and chanted, "shame on you judge" and "shame on GOSH".
Loading ...
