Archie Battersbee’s Treatment to Stop Despite Parents’ Pleas
Life Support to End at 2pm on August 1
Barts Health NHS Trust confirmed in a letter to Archie Battersbee’s parents that all medications and fluid infusions, including vasopressin, will be stopped at 2 p.m. on August 1. The decision comes despite desperate appeals from Archie’s mother, Hollie Dance, to Health Secretary Stephen Barclay to intervene.
Parents Cry Foul Over “Flagrant Violation” of Archie’s Rights
Ms Dance, from Southend, slammed the move as “extraordinary cruelty” and a blatant breach of her son’s rights as a disabled person. She urged the government to act immediately to prevent the withdrawal of treatment, warning that rushing Archie’s death to dodge international human rights scrutiny would be unacceptable.
“If this happens, it will be extraordinary cruelty, and a flagrant violation of Archie’s rights as a disabled person,” said Ms Dance in a letter to the Health Secretary.
Legal Battles and UN Plea Fall on Deaf Ears
Archie’s parents, Ms Dance and Paul Battersbee, lost their bid to overturn the rulings in the Court of Appeal and saw the Supreme Court refuse to intervene. The Christian Legal Centre is backing the family’s fight. They have now turned to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which has asked NHS staff not to withdraw life-sustaining treatment while considering the case.
The UN stressed this was only a procedural request and not a decision on the substance.
Barts Trust Calls for “Palliative Care” to Begin
Alistair Chesser, Chief Medical Officer at Barts Health NHS Trust, warned that any delay in starting palliative care for Archie would be “inappropriate.”
The Department of Health expressed sympathy for the family, stating: “We recognise this is an exceptionally difficult time for Archie Battersbee’s family, and our thoughts are with them. We received the letter and will respond as soon as possible.”
