Tragic High Court Ruling Ends Life Support for Baby Indi
The heartbreaking legal battle to keep seven-month-old Indi Gregory on life support has come to a crushing end. Born with a rare mitochondrial disease that saps energy from her cells, Indi has been reliant on full life support at Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre.
Judge Bows Out With Heavy Heart
The case was heard in the Family Division of the High Court by Mr Justice Peel. Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust sought the court’s permission to withdraw treatment, arguing specialists declared Indi’s condition terminal.
On Friday, the judge ruled that invasive life-support treatment could be lawfully stopped. “The burdens of invasive treatment outweigh the benefits,” he said, admitting he made this heartbreaking decision with a “heavy heart.” He highlighted Indi’s significant pain, incurable illness, and limited life expectancy as key factors.
Parents’ Plea Overruled Amid Devastation
Indi’s parents, Dean Gregory and Claire Staniforth from Ilkeston, begged for her to be kept on life support. Dean passionately insisted, “She has proved everyone wrong” and deserved a chance despite the pain.
But the judge concluded that ending invasive treatment was in Indi’s best interests.
Legal Team and Campaign Support
Emma Sutton KC, barrister for Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, described Indi’s condition as “critically ill” with a “devastating neurometabolic disorder.” She warned treatment was only prolonging pain with no hope of recovery. “Indi is dying, and all realistic options have been exhausted,” Sutton stated.
The devastated family is being supported by the Christian Legal Centre as they face the cruel finality of the court’s ruling.
