Alfie Evans case

Legal case involving the treatment of a terminally ill child in the UK

Alfie Evans in 2018

The Alfie Evans case was a high-profile legal case in the United Kingdom concerning the treatment of a terminally ill child, Alfie Evans. The case attracted significant media attention and public debate over medical ethics, parental rights, and the role of the state in healthcare decisions.

Background

Alfie Evans was born on 9 May 2016 in Liverpool, England. He was diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder that left him in a semi-vegetative state. His condition was undiagnosed but was characterized by severe and progressive brain damage. Alfie was admitted to Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, where he received treatment.

Alder Hey Children's Hospital

Legal Proceedings

The legal battle began when the medical team at Alder Hey Children's Hospital recommended withdrawing life support, arguing that further treatment was futile and not in Alfie's best interests. Alfie's parents, Tom Evans and Kate James, disagreed and sought to continue treatment, including the possibility of transferring Alfie to a hospital in Italy.

The case was brought before the High Court of Justice, where Mr. Justice Hayden ruled in favor of the hospital, stating that continued treatment was not in Alfie's best interests. The decision was upheld by the Court of Appeal of England and Wales, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom, and the European Court of Human Rights.

Public Reaction and International Involvement

The case garnered widespread public attention, with many people supporting Alfie's parents' right to decide his treatment. The case also drew international attention, with the Pope Francis and the Italian government expressing support for the family's wishes to transfer Alfie to Italy.

The Italian government granted Alfie Italian citizenship in an attempt to facilitate his transfer to a hospital in Rome. However, the UK courts maintained their decision, and Alfie's life support was withdrawn on 23 April 2018.

Ethical and Legal Implications

The Alfie Evans case raised significant ethical and legal questions about the rights of parents versus the state in making medical decisions for children. It highlighted the complexities involved in cases where medical professionals and parents disagree on the best course of action for a child's treatment.

The case also sparked debate over the role of the courts in such decisions and the extent to which international intervention should be considered in domestic legal matters.

Aftermath

Alfie Evans passed away on 28 April 2018, five days after his life support was withdrawn. The case left a lasting impact on discussions about medical ethics and parental rights in the UK and beyond.

Coat of Arms of the UK Government

Related pages

• Charlie Gard case
• Medical ethics
• Parental rights
• European Court of Human Rights