This is a thread following the legal and ethical questions raised by the recent court case involving Charlie Gard.
Please could we refrain from insulting or otherwise "bashing" his parents. It isn't in the spirit of Mumsnet and will get the threads removed.
Please could we also remember that at the heart of this case is a terminally ill baby and his heartbroken parents. There are those participating in and watching this thread for whom these issues are painful. Please let's try and be mindful of them when we post. This isn't a place for name calling or trivialising the very real pain they feel. Many parents of severely disabled children are on here.
Lastly, here are some hopefully useful reference points of facts surrounding the case.
13 July GOSH position statement on latest hearing (includes update on Charlie's condition):
www.gosh.nhs.uk/file/23611/download?token=aTPZchww
7 July GOSH statement on Charlie:
www.gosh.nhs.uk/news/latest-press-releases/latest-statement-charlie-gard
June 2017 Supreme Court decision:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6rPmvGlNhA&app=desktop
May 2017 Court of Appeal Decision:
www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2017/410.html
April 2017 High Court Decision:
www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Fam/2017/972.html
GOSH FAQ page on Charlie:
www.gosh.nhs.uk/frequently-asked-questions-about-charlie-gard-court-case
Timeline so far
August 4, 2016 Charlie born 8lb 3oz to Connie Yates and Chris Gard.
October 2016 Tests reveal mitochondrial depletion syndrome.
Believed to be only 16th sufferer in the world of rare strain.
Autumn 2016 Miss Yates finds specialist in US testing nucleoside therapy, but it has never been tried on Charlie’s rare type.
January Gosh doctors say drug would be futile because of irreversible brain damage. Parents contact US doctor.
March Gosh asks High Court to let Charlie die. Mr Justice Francis gives parents a month to make case for treatment. Daily Mail readers help raise £197,000 in days to help fly Charlie to US.
April Doctors say he is likely to be in pain. Judge rules Gosh should let him die.
May Court of Appeal upholds ruling. Parents appeal to Supreme Court.
June Supreme Court rejects appeal. On June 27, European judges back decision. Gosh gives parents more time with Charlie. Pope Francis intervenes, followed by Donald Trump on July 3.
July 7 Seven scientists hand Gosh fresh evidence showing higher survival chances.
July 10 Mr Justice Francis gives parents 48 hours to produce new evidence in case.
July 13 US specialist Dr Michio Hirano invited to London by High Court
July 17 Dr Hirano examines Charlie.
July 21 Court told scan results ‘very sad’.
Today, 24 July, High Court due to rule on the case, ten days before Charlie’s birthday.