After months of emotional legal battles with London’s High Court, the Court of Appeals, Supreme Court in London and the European Court of Human Rights, the fight for terminally-ill British baby Charlie Gard has come to an end.
The 11-month-old boy has reportedly died after being moved from Great Ormond Street Hospital in London to hospice earlier this week.
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In a heartbreaking statement, Charlie’s mother, Connie Yates, said:
“Our beautiful little boy has gone, we are so proud of you Charlie.”
Charlie’s journey has captured the heart and support of many nations.
The 11-month-old was born healthy in August of 2016, but was diagnosed with an extremely rare DNA disorder at just two months old. Mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome is a terminal condition believed to have only been found in 16 people ever. It causes rapid weakening of the muscles and brain damage—making treatments almost nonexistent.
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In the early stages of his diagnosis, Chris and Connie raised nearly $2 million to bring their son to the United States for experimental treatment. Doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London felt that the parents’ efforts were not in the child’s best interest, and that Charlie should be able to “die with dignity.”