Charlie Gard

That was Ashya King Tegan and apparently he is well and back at school. I was so angry about the treatment of his parents at the time and they have been proved right. I know little Charlie's case seems even more extreme but I can't help thinking he should be given one last chance, if only for his parents' sake. No one would want to prolong his suffering but is there any evidence he is in pain? It's so difficult to know what might be for the best.

I did read an article that said that, had treatment being offered earlier [before he had seizures] his prognosis would have been much better. It sounds like quite a complicated, rare case. I keep thinking, though, of the family that 'kidnapped' their child from a hospital couple of years ago and took him for treatment abroad when there appeared to be no hope for him here. Does anyone know what happened? I believe the treatment was successful. None of us know how we will react in certain circumstances, do we? However, I do feel that, in Charlies case it seems wrong to prolong any pain that he may be in. Terribly sad case, though.

Such an awful and awfully sad situation and I cannot imagine how I would react as the parent. From the outside looking in, I feel he should be allowed to slip away - he. My understanding is that he isn't fighting for his life, but is only being kept alive by machinery and there does not seem to be any real hope of improvement. The parents do not seem able to heed medical advice because of their very understandable distress and the whole situation is now becoming exploited by politicians and religious zealots. I am a person of faith, I have also lost a child - my heart goes out to the mum and dad, but I truly hope they can be helped to let go and receive the support they need to grieve.

The doctors can't be sure that he is in pain though.

Perhaps he has just been born a bit too early to benefit from the breakthroughs that are being made in mitochondrial disease.

The Doctors can't be 100% that he isn't in pain, a natural death would have been so kind and dignified for the little chap.

As a parent you can never own your child or its life, you are simply guardians.

I think I would want to try anything if there was a possibility his condition could improve or even just be stabilised.
I would be hoping for a cure in the future - who knows now that there are so many advances in molecular medicine.

The sheer cost alone of keeping him in ITU must be over £1000 a day. I agree with the doctor, the mother is deluded if she thinks that she will have a normal little boy after miracle treatment in America or wherever. I think it is wrong that Trump and the pope interfered. Let the little fellow die in peace, pain free and with dignity. Should I duck behind the sofa?

I feel it's turning into a bit of a circus now, and no longer about the best interests of the baby.

It's terribly sad and I can't imagine the agony his parents must be in but I too feel sorry for the dedicated and caring staff at GOSH.

The demonstration last week outside Buckingham Palace with people wearing, Je suis Charlie Gard wristbands made me despair.

I don't see how that can be called worthwhile support.

A very practical point but his parents seem to have devoted their lives to be with him all the time
Are they prepared to do this for the rest of his and their lives

I am assuming that life support can keep him in the state he now indefinitely
That gives them no hope of normal family life with siblings for Charlie, not to replace him but give them the family they long for.

Obviously we all feel for the parents, but it is turning into a circus with American pastors flying over to pray for him (thought prayer travelled) and Trump and even the Pope interfering. It must be distressing for staff at GOSH who are being called murderers and other such vile accusations by the so called 'Charlie's Army" who are supporting Charlie's parents.

His Mum said in an interview that he could be a normal little boy. A doctor said she was deluded. But you would want to believe the best against all odds.Wouldn't you. You would do anything for your children and Charlie's parents are doing what they feel they ought.

It would be very difficult, I agree, but I'd be haunted by the idea that although he's not responsive he might be in pain, and I was prolonging it for what would, I fear, be my own benefit..

I'd agree with you, devongirl, but I don't know how I'd feel it was one of my own. Before I had children, I used to think that organ transplants weren't right, but when I had my children my opinion changed!

Oh, I so agree. Poor little boy would never have any quality of life, barring a miracle...