New reports this morning claim that little Charlie Gard has been granted US citizenship.
According to the Mail Online, which has been following Charlie’s story closely, citizenship has just been granted by US Congress.
This follows previous claims by Congressmen Brad Wenstrup and Trent Franks that they would be tabling a private bill, calling for lawmakers to extend the courtesy.
Explaining the motivation behind their proposition, they said in a statement: “They [Connie and Chris] have raised over £1 million to pay for their son to receive experimental treatment in the United States. They have kept fighting.
“Should this little boy be ordered to die because a third party, overriding the wishes of his parents, believes it can conclusively determine that immediate death is what is best for him?”
Their bill came just days after President Trump pledged support for Charlie and his parents publicly, tweeting: “If we can help little Charlie Gard, as per our friends in the UK and the Pope, we would be delighted to do so.”
The news will no doubt be welcomed by Connie and Chris, who shared updates from the latest stage of their legal battle this morning.
As per the request of a judge last week, US Doctor Michio Hirano flew in yesterday, to examine Charlie. The 11-month-old is to undergo an MRI and an EEG test, to measure his brain activity.
Evidence will then be handed over to Mr Justice Francis next week, who will give the final decision as to whether Charlie should undergo treatment in the States.
The latest intervention by the US Government could change everything, however – we will keep you updated as more information emerges.
