Charlie Gard's parents Following the decision of Charlie Gard’s parents to end the legal battle for their critically-ill child to be flown to the US, Catholic Bishops in the UK expressed their sympathy.
For almost half a year the baby’s parents fought to have him transferred to the US to undergo specialist treatment. They decided not to continue, saying at a hearing this week that it was too late.
The Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales released a statement saying they expressed the “deepest sympathy and compassion” for the parents and their son.
“Indeed it is for Charlie [pictured], his parents and family that we all pray, hoping that they are able, as a family, to be given the support and the space to find peace in the days ahead,” it read.
“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.”
Charlie Gard was diagnosed with a hereditary genetic disorder, and his parents were told by a US neurologist – Michio Hirano – that nucleoside bypass therapy could save him. However staff at Great Ormond Street Hospital denied that Charlie had any chance of survival, saying he no longer had any hope of a meaningful life.
The court heard that the latest EEG and MRI scans showed there had been significant muscular deterioration caused by extensive muscle atrophy. The parents read statements after the hearing saying they believed wasted time affected their son’s chances of survival. Shortly he will be removed from life support.