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Father drops right to life fight Father drops right to life fight
(10 minutes later)
A father who had been fighting to stop a hospital withdrawing life support from his seriously ill son has dropped his objections.A father who had been fighting to stop a hospital withdrawing life support from his seriously ill son has dropped his objections.
The one-year-old, known as Baby RB for legal reasons, was born with a rare, genetic muscle condition that makes it hard for him to breathe independently.The one-year-old, known as Baby RB for legal reasons, was born with a rare, genetic muscle condition that makes it hard for him to breathe independently.
The hospital was backed by the baby's mother.The hospital was backed by the baby's mother.
But the move had been strongly opposed by the child's father at a High Court hearing.But the move had been strongly opposed by the child's father at a High Court hearing.
However, the father changed his mind after hearing medical evidence which suggested it would be in the best interests of the child if medical support was withdrawn.
Lawyers for the health authority caring for the baby in intensive care told Mr Justice McFarlane: "All of the parties in court now agree that it would be in RB's best interests for the course suggested by the doctors to be followed."
The judge welcomed the decision, and said it would now be lawful to withdraw life support from the child.
He also paid tribute to the parents, who he said had acted in an exemplary manner.
He said: "From the moment of the baby's birth it was apparent he was profoundly unwell."
Profoundly ill
Baby RB has a condition called congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS), which severely limits the ability to breathe independently and limb movement. He has been in hospital since birth.Baby RB has a condition called congenital myasthenic syndrome (CMS), which severely limits the ability to breathe independently and limb movement. He has been in hospital since birth.
The hospital's legal team argued during the hearing that the baby faced a "miserable, sad and pitiful existence" - even if tracheotomy surgery to relieve his breathing difficulties allowed him to return home.The hospital's legal team argued during the hearing that the baby faced a "miserable, sad and pitiful existence" - even if tracheotomy surgery to relieve his breathing difficulties allowed him to return home.
Several experts told the hearing that the child was too profoundly disabled to enjoy any quality of life.Several experts told the hearing that the child was too profoundly disabled to enjoy any quality of life.
But lawyers for the father argued the baby's brain was unaffected, and that he could see, hear, feel and recognise his parents.But lawyers for the father argued the baby's brain was unaffected, and that he could see, hear, feel and recognise his parents.
The hearing also heard evidence that he was able to play with toys.The hearing also heard evidence that he was able to play with toys.
For legal reasons, none of the parties in the court case can be identified.For legal reasons, none of the parties in the court case can be identified.
Both parents, who are in their 20s and are said to be "amicably separated", have been present at the hearings.Both parents, who are in their 20s and are said to be "amicably separated", have been present at the hearings.