Premature baby case returns to court
2005-03-14 14:00:54
The case of Charlotte Wyatt, the premature baby clinging to life in an oxygen box, has returned to court.
On October 7, 2004, a judge ruled that any further "aggressive" treatment, even if necessary to prolong her life, is "not in her best interests".
Doctors had won the right not to resuscitate Charlotte, who is now 17 months old, after arguing that she was brain-damaged and "had no feelings other than continuing pain".
However, experts now claim she can see, hear, smile and enjoy being cuddled.
And Charlotte's parents, Darren Wyatt, 33, and Donna, 23, from Buckland, Portsmouth, have said there is also evidence that she can follow objects with her eyes and hear clapping.
When Charlotte was born three months premature at St Mary's Hospital, Portsmouth, she weighed just 1lb and measured only five inches.
She had serious brain, lung and kidney damage, was fed through a tube, needed a constant supply of oxygen and was incapable of voluntary movement or response.
However, Charlotte defied the odds and survived the winter months since the ruling.
Mr Justice Hedley, sitting in Cardiff, is hearing evidence from six independent experts who say the little girl shows no evidence of being in pain, and is aware, alert, active and responsive.
Mr Hedley will then decide whether to lift the order.
These cases really 'tear at my heartstrings' ; the only thing I can ever think when I hear about these ( and they crop up only too regularly!) is that I am so grateful that I was never put to the test of having to decide.................
2005-03-14 14:00:54
The case of Charlotte Wyatt, the premature baby clinging to life in an oxygen box, has returned to court.
On October 7, 2004, a judge ruled that any further "aggressive" treatment, even if necessary to prolong her life, is "not in her best interests".
Doctors had won the right not to resuscitate Charlotte, who is now 17 months old, after arguing that she was brain-damaged and "had no feelings other than continuing pain".
However, experts now claim she can see, hear, smile and enjoy being cuddled.
And Charlotte's parents, Darren Wyatt, 33, and Donna, 23, from Buckland, Portsmouth, have said there is also evidence that she can follow objects with her eyes and hear clapping.
When Charlotte was born three months premature at St Mary's Hospital, Portsmouth, she weighed just 1lb and measured only five inches.
She had serious brain, lung and kidney damage, was fed through a tube, needed a constant supply of oxygen and was incapable of voluntary movement or response.
However, Charlotte defied the odds and survived the winter months since the ruling.
Mr Justice Hedley, sitting in Cardiff, is hearing evidence from six independent experts who say the little girl shows no evidence of being in pain, and is aware, alert, active and responsive.
Mr Hedley will then decide whether to lift the order.
These cases really 'tear at my heartstrings' ; the only thing I can ever think when I hear about these ( and they crop up only too regularly!) is that I am so grateful that I was never put to the test of having to decide.................
