In the case of the terminally ill boy Archie, the British Supreme Court has blocked a new rescue attempt by his parents.
The Supreme Court in London rejected an application with which the parents wanted to obtain the continuation of life-sustaining measures.
The 12-year-old's family had previously contacted a UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities - which then called for the measures to continue until the application was examined. However, the courts did not have to follow the request. Now the legal process should be exhausted.
12 year old is in a coma
Little Archie suffered serious brain injuries in a domestic accident in April - possibly during an internet dare. He has been in a coma ever since. Several British courts ruled that the doctors could let the boy die. This was in his best interest, it said in justification.
The case is reminiscent of similar disputes over terminally ill children in Great Britain. The financially squeezed British health service tends to withdraw life support much sooner than would be the case in Germany. In addition, the wishes of parents and relatives are not taken into account to the same extent. What is in the best interests of the patient is often decided by judges on the recommendation of medical professionals.
