Boy, 12, To Have Life-Support Withdrawn Against Parents’ Wishes

(Catholic Herald) – A judge has ruled that a 12-year-old boy on life support will have treatment withdrawn, against the wishes of his parents, who are devout Christians.

The boy, identified only as “J” for legal reasons, was found hanging in his bedroom in April. He is reported to be suffering from “profound neurological injury” as a result of lack of oxygen to the brain. He subsequently contracted Covid-19 in hospital.

Doctors from Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust asked the High Court to decide upon what course of action was in the boy’s best interests. His parents vehemently opposed the Foundation’s application. CONTINUE