New York City, N.Y., May 1, 2018 / 01:36 pm (CNA/EWTN News).-
Alfie Evans, a disabled British toddler who died Saturday after a contentious legal battle over his treatment, captured the attention of Catholics around the world, including Pope Francis. While he suffered from undiagnosed neurological problems at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Alfie’s parents sought to treat him elsewhere, while physicians opposed the move, arguing that continuing treatment was not in the child’s best interests.
The case raised questions about the right of parents to make healthcare decisions for a child, about ‘ordinary’ and ‘extraordinary’ means of treatment and life-support, and about the treatment of patients with disabilities. Alfie Evans died after his parents lost legal appeals, despite diplomatic interventions supporting their efforts. He lived, unexpectedly, for five days after physicians removed life support.