Charlie Gard 15

[cjt110]

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.

i've only read the sky news report but i don't like how it's focusing heavily on this "he could have been a normal boy" statement. No mention of GOSH's statement at all :(

Yes Maryz, that's what he said.
I've just heard it again on the news.

"Chris Gard said they knew that if Charlie had been given treatment sooner "he would have had the potential to be a normal, healthy boy".

I have seen it - it is on CA. That is indeed what they said. As they walked up to speak, people were shouting "Justice For Charlie".

sostenuto

Here's the link

www.gosh.nhs.uk/file/23731/download?token=TWJkSxZu

Surely only one of last week's experts agreed to be named, but the Daily Mail has named them both - is that against the Court's ruling?

Those poor parents. It is just wretched to see them. I can't agree with their statements but I can in a strange way understand them. The need to find blame, continue a cause, justify their battle.
The last thing they need is anyone jumping on the bandwagon and making Charlie a 'symbol' for there own pro- life or 'anti socialised medicine' campaigns.
I hope they can fine some time and space to say goodbye to Charlie in peace.

Would you expect any different from Sky though? We seem to be moving to a position where belief and opinion trump (pardon the pun) rationality and evidence

Full judgement is online here - makes interesting reading

Placemarking till judgement is made

The media are being incredibly irresponsible with their reporting.

I think that Hinaro has a lot to answer for and I apologise on previous threads for defending him against the posters who were more astute than I was, even the one who called him a 'quack'. Because he has behaved no better than one in my opinion.

Rozenberg is on Sky now - he has just made GOSH's position clear.

So that is going to be the rhetoric.

GOSH killed a potentially healthy child by denying treatment.

redshoe

Good

From the sounds of it one potential casualty of the court case might be the relationship between GOSH and Dr. H.

Any doctors in the house ?

Do medics have disagreements of this sort of magnitude (although perhaps not so publically) and just keep on working together for the greater good despite any previous tensions ?

The media know exactly what they are doing with this.

Professor Robert Winston just giving interview on Sky. Glad - and surprised - that Sky giving some balance with JR's statement just now on GOSH position and speaking to RW.

Any doctors in the house ?

Do medics have disagreements of this sort of magnitude (although perhaps not so publically) and just keep on working together for the greater good despite any previous tensions ?

Not a doctor but I have worked in two trusts in the past 25 years where there was a massive fallout between consultants.

It really got quite nasty in both cases and no, they could no longer work together.

They were not world specialists though.

thats crap mary

still on twittr peopl blaming gosh

Chris's statement is being broadcast on bbc news channel atm. He says Charlie had a real, genuine chance at life. Blames wasted time due to court hearings. Could have been a normal healthy little boy.

Lord Winston also speaking up for the hospital, and re-instating that this treatment wouldn't have worked on Charlie

sorry x-post with gin

why arent they blaming hirano for false hope an not eveen coming over till lat weeek

I've been out and only just caught up on this thread.

Like many in here I have shed a few tears on hearing the news and my heart goes out to Chris and Connie. I hope that in time they can find peace and come to terms with the fact that Charlie never had a chance. I also hope that their "supporters" now leave them alone.

And of course Charlie. I hope that his move to palliative care happens quickly and that he can pass quietly in the arms of those who love him.

for everyone here who may be struggling with the memories today's news has brought back.