The whole world is waiting anxiously to hear what will become of little Charlie Gard, and even the hospital who wanted to let Charlie "die with dignity" is taking notice.
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, the institution that has been treating the terminally ill little boy for most of his short 11 months, originally said that Charlie would be taken off life support last Friday, following a ruling in the European Court of Human Rights denying Charlie's parents' request to take their son to the United States for an experimental treatment.
But following an outcry from the international community, the hospital announced Friday it has applied to the court for a fresh hearing, thanks to new evidence relating to a potential treatment for Charlie’s genetic condition, explaining:
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children has today applied to the High Court for a fresh hearing in the case of Charlie Gard in light of claims of new evidence relating to potential treatment for his condition.
We have just met with Charlie’s parents to inform them of this decision and will continue to keep them fully appraised of the situation.
Two international hospitals and their researchers have communicated to us as late as the last 24 hours that they have fresh evidence about their proposed experimental treatment.
And we believe, in common with Charlie’s parents, it is right to explore this evidence.
Due to EU court's ruling, the hospital cannot release Charlie without the express permission of the court. Hospital officials claim they stand by their previous statements and that their view has not changed with regard to Charlie's prognosis, but added that in light of this new information, they are leaving the decision up to the judicial system.
Charlie’s condition is exceptionally rare, with catastrophic and irreversible brain damage.
Our doctors have explored every medical treatment, including experimental nucleoside therapies. Independent medical experts agreed with our clinical team that this treatment would be unjustified.
Not only that, but they said it would be futile and would prolong Charlie’s suffering. This is not an issue about money or resources, but absolutely about what is right for Charlie.
Our view has not changed. We believe it is right to seek the High Court’s view in light of the claimed new evidence.
Our priority has always been, and will always be, the best interests of Charlie Gard.
Officials from the Vatican, including Pope Francis, along with President Donald Trump and a slew of U.S. Congress members have all offered help to Charlie's family, if at all possible.