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Original poster

Charlie Gard 7

999 replies

CaveMum · 13/07/2017 15:58

Continuation of the discussion.

It looks highly unlikely that there will be a verdict today as GOSH have not yet been able to put their case across. The Gard family had their position heard this morning and currently an expert witness from the US is being questioned via video link.

OP posts:
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10
PortiaFinis · 13/07/2017 16:11

I agree with the poster who said that being the first isn't an issue if it could be objectively thought that the treatment had a substantial chance of significantly improve quality of life.

Imaweeble · 13/07/2017 16:11

If he's willing to come over then why hasn't he visited Charlie before now? He gave evidence in April why not then?

Sluttybartfast · 13/07/2017 16:11

I'm not sure following this case is healthy for me any more, but I can't seem to stop...

Edsheeranalbumparty · 13/07/2017 16:11

I don't really understand the 'parental rights' thing anyway. Just because a child is yours does not mean to say that you can do whatever you want to them even if it is not in their best interest.

DarthMaiden · 13/07/2017 16:12

I think it's a smart move by the Judge.

As stands if he rules with GOSH the whole "it might have worked" question remains.

If he rules in favour of treatment and it doesn't work the NY expert can say Charlie's health was worse than I thought but I didn't examine him or have access to all the data.

By asking the NY expert to examine Charlie then he's going to have to definitively answer some hard questions.

SerfTerf · 13/07/2017 16:12

He's trying to be scrupulously fair but the parents don't seem to understand what's being said. The exchange before they stormed out made no sense.

Writerwannabe83 · 13/07/2017 16:12

The CA FB page is buzzing now it's been mentioned that the judge may adjourn the case to allow the NY doctor to come and see Charlie.

They are saying that the judge is obviously seeing through all of GOSH's lies.....

muckypup73 · 13/07/2017 16:12

Imaweeble, I agree with you there.

MojoMoon · 13/07/2017 16:12

Just come past the royal courts of justice and around 20 women outside protesting "for Charlie".
Largely being entirely ignored by passing Londoners.

Iris65 · 13/07/2017 16:12

GOSH can and have proved that Charlie's head has not grown. If you can't trust a centre of excellence to get something as basic as that right then we really are in trouble.
The thing is how the skull is measured is absolutely key. I can make my hips vary by 5-6 cms depending on where and how I meaure them.

sodablackcurrant · 13/07/2017 16:13

The proceedings have to be adjourned now, to allow the US witness to assess the child. Anything other than this will cause mayhem I think, but who knows.

I hope the adjournment is just until Monday or earlier if possible.

unweavedrainbow · 13/07/2017 16:13

@Minkyfluffster the 90 days is without treatment. The doctor needs to show the FDA that without treatment death will occur within a matter of months.

GabsAlot · 13/07/2017 16:13

Judge orders 10 minute break

Sirzy · 13/07/2017 16:13

That was my thinking darth

I hope it isn't adjourned but as long as it is only for a couple of days I can see the logic

alltouchedout · 13/07/2017 16:13

People get confused. There are no parental rights in the UK- there is parental responsibility. That's very different.

cjt110 · 13/07/2017 16:13

The exchange before they stormed out made no sense. Have they gone out again?

HouseOfMouse · 13/07/2017 16:13

An adjournment need only be for as long as it takes to fly here from NY. I think the judge may be thinking that if the witness sees for himself the condition Charlie is in, he may backtrack on his "evidence".

Interesting that the witness said before that he would be "uncomfortable" examining Charlie at GOSH (as well he might, given what he is proposing IMO). Also, the tweet from Court suggested that his agreement to come over was given hesitantly - in reality, he couldn't say no could he, in front of the parents.

As it is, though, the "evidence" sounds very flimsy, and the judge may not go for an adjournment at all.

muckypup73 · 13/07/2017 16:14

Sluttybartfas, I think we are all the same.

Mulberry72 · 13/07/2017 16:14

Totally agree with EdSheeran

rabbitnothare · 13/07/2017 16:14

Yes cjt110 I suppose you are right, to avoid judicial review and any accusations of unfairness.

SerfTerf · 13/07/2017 16:14

They are saying that the judge is obviously seeing through all of GOSH's lies.....

There are no adequate words for their ceaseless wilful stupidity. They're helping nobody.

Maudlinmaud · 13/07/2017 16:15

I think it should be seen as a positive that the judge is in no rush and all avenues are explored. If this leads to Charlies quality of life improving.
My thoughts are with his parents and the wonderful staff at GOSH.

DarthMaiden · 13/07/2017 16:16

Also if the answer was given hesitantly we may find the expert won't come to the UK at all - which speaks volumes....

alpacasandwich · 13/07/2017 16:16

Some people have frankly bizarre ideas of parental rights. A guy on Moral Maze last night said that, short of causing physical harm, parents have the right to do what they want with their child.

He even agreed that parents don't have to teach a child to speak English, despite it disadvantaging the child in an English speaking country. Didn't think the state had a "right" to force parents to educate children.

DarthMaiden · 13/07/2017 16:17

@Maudlinmaud

I agree.

I've been really impressed by the Judge.