A British judge has refused to allow the parents of a terminally ill infant to take her home from the hospital to die, expressing concerns about their tactics. Court of Appeal Justice Peter Jackson made the decision after the parents of 8-month-old Indi Gregory, along with the Italian government, sought permission for her to be treated at Bambino Gesu Children’s Hospital in Rome. Previously, a lower court had ruled in favor of doctors who believed it was in Indi’s best interests to remove life support and let her pass away in a hospital or hospice.
Justice Jackson criticized the parents, stating that their actions had put doctors in an “extremely challenging” position and accusing them of using manipulative litigation tactics to frustrate court orders. He made it clear that such behavior would not be tolerated.
Indi’s parents have been fighting to continue life support for their child, who has suffered brain damage due to a rare condition called mitochondrial disease. They hope that experimental treatments may extend her life. However, the doctors argue that Indi is unaware of her surroundings, is in pain, and should be allowed to die peacefully.
This case is the latest in a series of similar legal battles in the UK between parents and doctors regarding the treatment of terminally ill children. British judges have consistently sided with doctors, prioritizing the best interests of the child, even if parents object to the proposed treatment.
