From the Medical Ethics Alliance
At the time of his death we offered our deepest condolences and assurance of our prayers to the parents of Alfie Evans who died early in the morning of the 28th April. Alfie’s father wrote on Facebook “My gladiator lay down his shield and gained his wings… absolutely heartbroken.”
With the help of his family and friends Alfie clearly showed his humanity. As we reflect upon his life over the coming months we hope that his humanity will continue to inspire and lead others.
But we believe that there are very serious issues and questions about the legal judgements and the removal of his parents rights by the Court. There is a useful discussion of the Care of dying children and adults. Ethics, principles and issues for law reform written by Dr Adrian Treloar published in the Catholic Medical Quarterly . You can read it here.
The Bambino Jesu Hospital has published a Charter to Protect the Rights of Terminally Ill Children
The Medical Ethics Alliance commends the Bambino Gesu Hospital (the Vatican’s children’s hospital) for it’s charter to protect the rights of terminally ill children. Read more here
You can see our statement released to the press on the 24th April here. The statement attracted widespread support and hundreds of signature in the few days that remained of Alfie’s life. Alfie’s life and his passing from that life gives us all much to think about, to reflect upon and to learn from. For now, May he rest in peace.