The parents of Charlie Gard have condemned Great Ormond Street Hospital’s treatment of their case as “inhuman”.
The couple were devastated when they lost their appeal to overturn a court ruling forbidding them to take their son to America for an experimental new treatment.
While doctors at the hospital believe Charlie is dying and ought to be moved to palliative care, his parents disagree. Presently Charlie, who suffers from a rare genetic condition known as mitochondrial depletion syndrome, is being kept alive by a ventilator in hospital.
Charlie's parents Chris Gard and Connie Yates said they intend to keep fighting for their son and will appeal to the Supreme Court to overturn the ruling that Charlie should be taken off life support. The process to remove life support could begin this as early as this week.
The loving parents are prepared to take their case all the way to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg if necessary, according to The Mail Online.
Charlie’s mum Connie Yates attacked the hospital, saying: “We have had our parental rights stripped away as if they don’t matter at all.
“The way we have been treated by Great Ormond Street Hospital has been inhuman.
“Our son is basically being kept a prisoner at the hospital.”
Great Ormond Street Hospital responded to her claims, saying: “We listen to, and respect the views of every parent whose child is in our care; but our duty is always to act in the best interests of the child.
“We will continue to support and co-operate with Charlie’s parents as best we can at this difficult time.”
Charlie’s parents will be unable to take him abroad without the co-operation of the hospital. Doctors say the little boy cannot see, hear or make sounds and say it is “unethical” to keep him on life support. They believe the pioneering treatment in America will not benefit Charlie and could cause him suffering.
However, Charlie’s parents insist the little boy is responsive at times, and they want to give their son a chance at receiving the new treatment.
The disagreement between both sides on the best treatment for little Charlie resulted in a court case which Charlie’s parents sadly lost.
Judge Mr Justice Francis ruled in favour of taking Charlie off life support last month, saying: “It is with the heaviest of hearts, but with complete conviction for Charlie’s best interests, that I accede to these applications, and rule that Great Ormond Street Hospital may lawfully withdraw all treatment save for palliative care to permit Charlie to die with dignity."
