A judge will rule on Wednesday whether a baby boy will have life-sustaining treatment withdrawn.
The parents of Baby MB gave evidence at the High Court in London yesterday. His mother told the court that Baby MB liked to watch Shrek 2, Barney and Toy Story. She said that in the past few weeks her son had regained the ability to move a foot and his bottom lip, and that his smile was returning. Final evidence was heard today at the Court.
Baby MB is 18 months old and suffers from spinal muscular atrophy type 1 - a progressive condition leading to paralysis. Type 1 is the most severe form of the condition. The condition is incurable. He cannot breathe unaided and receives endotracheal ventilation at hospital which is keeping him alive.
Baby MB's cognitive abilities are intact, but he has limited movement. He can move his eyebrows, feet, and his fingers very slightly - the rest of his body is immobile. He cannot chew or swallow and is fed through a tube.
The Hospital Trust has made an application to withdraw ventilation from Baby MB. His parents are fighting for ventilation not to be withdrawn.
"The Judge has an enormously difficult decision to make in this case. He has now heard evidence from doctors at the Hospital and the parents of Baby MB. We expect the judgement to be handed down on Wednesday. The family remain hopeful that Baby MB will be given the right to continue to have ventilation, which they believe gives him quality of life," said specialist healthcare public law solicitor Chris Gawne who is acting for the family.
Alexander Harris represent a number of clients in withdrawal of treatment cases.
Please Note:
Reporting restrictions remain in place. Restrictions on revealing the anonymity of the parents will also remain in place after the judgement has been given.
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)
SMA is a progressive neuromuscular condition affecting motor neurones in the spinal court and brain stem. It leads to weakness of the muscles supplied by the motor neurones - in particular the limb muscles, swallowing muscles and trunk muscles including breathing muscles. Type 1 is the most serious category.
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I feel we were very fortunate to have the expertise of all the people involved. It is a great relief to me to know I have safeguarded our son's future: Maureen, Coventry
