It followed that it was not lawful for ventilation to continue to be provided to him, whether at Alder Hey or anywhere else. There was a mass of evidence, including from experts instructed on behalf of the parents, which justified the judge’s conclusion.
Alfie's parents appealed to the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. Since that court will not re-review factual issues, the parents challenged the application of the "best interest" standard, arguing for a "significant harm" standard.
Yesterday, the Supreme Court rejected the appeal, determining that it is not even arguable. The "current law of England and Wales is that decisions about the medical treatment of children, like those about the medical treatment of adults, are governed by what is in their best interests."
In contrast to the United States, there appears to be a reasonably clear and settled set of principles by which to adjudicate these sorts of medical futility dispute cases in the UK.
History is repeating, when the State becomes the executor of involuntary euthanasia of children with disabilities
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