There may be new hope for keeping a British baby with a rare genetic condition on life support after a US doctor offering an experimental treatment visited him in hospital.
Connie Yates and Chris Gard, the parents of terminally ill 11-month-old Charlie Gard, arrive at the High Court in central London on 14 July for continued hearings. Photo: AFP
Charlie Gard, who is 11 months old, has a form of mitochondrial disease: a rare genetic condition causing progressive muscle weakness and brain damage.
His parents have been trying to send their son to undergo an experimental therapy from New York neurology professor Michio Hirano, who believes there is between an 11 and 56 percent chance the nucleoside therapy would improve the baby's muscular strength.
He also believed there was a "small but significant" chance it would also help brain functions.
Britain's courts have refused to allow the treatment, however, on the grounds it would prolong the boy's suffering without a realistic prospect of helping him.
People gather in support of continued medical treatment for Charlie Gard. Photo: AFP
However, Dr Hirano had never seen Charlie and has had limited access to his medical records, so it was agreed he should come to Britain to examine him and discuss the case with doctors involved in his treatment and other independent medical specialists.
He has been given an honorary contract allowing him to see the boy and have full access to his medical records and visited the hospital on Monday.
Protesters hold signs in support of getting treatment for the baby. Photo: AFP
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, where Charlie - who cannot breathe without a ventilator - is being cared for, has argued he has no quality of life and that his life support should be turned off.
London's High Court, the Court of Appeal and Britain's Supreme Court have backed the hospital, a decision also supported by the European Court of Human Rights.
The case has gained global attention after interventions by US President Donald Trump and Pope Francis, who have both voiced support for Charlie.
It has prompted a fierce debate around the world about medical ethics and whether the hospital treating the child or his parents should determine his fate.
Last week, the case returned to the High Court after the hospital asked for a hearing to consider new evidence from Dr Hirano.
The neurologist said reports of brain scans suggested Charlie had a brain disorder rather than structural damage, and better muscular strength would also allow a better assessment of his brain condition.
"In my view my keeping Charlie on artificial ventilation will not cause significant harm because he does not seem to be in pain," he said.
The findings of the meetings will be reported to Judge Nicholas Francis, who is expected to make a final decision on 25 July.
- Reuters
