Charlie Gard

The parents are in the most vulnerable place it is possible to be in. I do so hope they are being given the right support.

The majority think the child should die now but not all, should they not have posted? Either we have freedom of speech or we do not, no one can force their pro life beliefs on anyone but they can speak out against abortion, right to die or any end of life decision.

You're right - he's absolutely driven not just by his own ego but worse, by his utter utter anti abortion, anti contraceptive beliefs. He is vile in using Charlie to further his agenda and I cannot fathom why the parents haven't got any decent PR advice. They are fair game for anyone who comes along and do and say nothing to the Barmy Army who threaten and libel GOSH staff on the FB page which is linked to the official Charlie website.

Of course all human life is precious. None of the posters here are suggesting otherwise.
Every post I've read expresses sympathy and concern for the parents but it seems the majority feel, to put it simply, that nature should be allowed to take its course. I try to avoid criticising faith but on this occasion, I find it difficult to see the Evangelical preacher, who flew in from the US isn't in part at least, driven by his own ego. I may of course be wrong but I find it distasteful. That could because I'm English and struggle with those who believe their own faith is the only one.

But for me the bottom line is that anyone can be as pro life as they want as long as they apply it just to themselves and do not force that choice on anyone else - are you listening DUP?

No, it was wrong, just as aborting a child because it's arrival would affect one's hopes of promotion or some other selfish reason is wrong.

Human life, any life, is precious, but it is not precious to the point these poor parents are going. Poor parents. Poor baby.

Death is part of life.

Even some of the nuns at my Catholic school agreed with you on that one, rigby, and quite right too, imo.

Well said BlueBelle.

I would believe the life of the 12 year old to be previous beyond measure and that being raped was dreadful enough without being forced to give birth

For example - it is unforgivable and wicked to be so pro life you deny an abortion to a 12 year old girl raped by her grandfather

Is it unforgivable and wicked to be pro life? I don't think it is Gill, i cannot accept it wicked to believe all human life is precious . I suppose I am semi pro life

Agreed bluebelle as I understand it, the very best that can be expected is a delay in the baby's death, certainly not a recovery of any kind. The poor parents have got so caught up in this terrible situation that (imho) they have forgotten what it is they are fighting for. Regrettably, there are some who are using this tragedy to their own religious ends and their behaviour is unforgivable and wicked.

I agree too Bluebell

So very well put Bluebell

BlueBelle, yes.

To be honest if he s not in pain, and he won't be, as he's on morphine Charlie will be the least to feel sorry about, as he will know nothing about this dreadful situation he has no congnitive skills to think ' I want to live', he has no experiences to think, 'I want to be out playing not lying here', he has no movement so he won't feel restricted, he has no sight or hearing so he is alive in name only he is doing nothing, thinking nothing, and being nothing. He is already dead apart from a machine
His parents deserve and are mainly being given huge empathy but they are in a 'fight' bubble which has got so strong they have forgotten that what they are fighting for even with a 5 or 10% improvement there is only the expectation of a delay in his death
The media, the celebrities, the protesters seem to be involved to gain kudos or for mischief
There are no winners especially Charlie, If you are a believer then Charlie should be at peace with his God,

How sad, Herbie

Our beloved brave 7 year old grandson had a very rare disease and was treated over 15 months at Great Ormond Street hospital. He received excellent care and kindness from all the doctors and nurses but after all the pioneering treatment he received and with our hopes raised, very sadly he died in June 2016. We so feel for Charlie and his parents in all their endeavours and pray for a miracle.

The child must be a ward of court or whatever you call it nowadays. All the power here is in the hands of the courts. GOSH has a lot of input and the courts want to work with them.

Regarding release of confidential medical details, I am sure this is the best thing to do now.
There are so many people out there demanding solutions and getting angry when they have no real comprehension of the severity of the child's physical condition.

If there is no proper accurate information the public or the press is more ikely to speculate and and create stories of their own, intentionally or accidentally. That could be so much worse for all parties.
Let the poor child rest.

Annie; I'm just trying to get into the mindset of the parents to understand why they are making these decisions. My mum lost many babies before she had me when she was in her late 30's [miscarrying again several times afterwards, too]. I know it seems wrong and nosy of me to want to know, but I'm just trying to understand what is happening. I also know that the press will contact vulnerable people to get a story out of tragic events such as this, and this is worrying me also .

Each case of a seriously damaged/sick child will be different. We can all find stories where, against the odds, a child pulls through and that is a joyous situation. No-one knows this better than paediatric consultants whose life is working with very sick children.
It seems this little chap is already dead but is kept breathing by machines. These poor , desperate parents need some good & true friends to help them accept this awful situation and not the rent a mob baying for doctors blood!
I am not a person with faith and I find it hard when those who do have a faith want all sorts of artificial interventions to keep a body breathing. This child needs to be allowed to die with some dignity. For those who believe he will go to a better place.

Nonna I am so pleased to hear the happy outcome for your daughter, and I'm sure other GNers have not dissimilar stories.

However, your daughter was not comparable to this baby who has horrendous diabilities so I don't feel this is a fair comparison.

Nonna lovely post, and thank God your daughter has recovered so well.
We can never be sure.
At the other end of the age range - husband's father had a stroke and was in a veg. state for many weeks. Husband insisted that he should continue to be suported and he recovered almost completely and lived another 2 years.

Tegan, what difference does it make if they had been trying for years to have a baby? If they hadn't does this mean they just say - let's have another child?

I lost two babies and we had two healthy little girls, didn't make the pain less