The 12-year-old British boy Archie Battersbee, who had been hospitalized in a state of brain death for four months, died this Saturday after being disconnected in a London hospital, ending a long legal battle waged by his parents against the health system.
“Archie passed away at 12:15 today” (8:15 in Argentina), his mother, Hollie Dance, reported on television, who maintained that the boy “fought until the end” and declared himself “proud to be his mother,” the news agency said. AFP news.
In statements to the Daily Mail, where he describes his day-to-day in the hospital, he guarantees that he did everything he could and that all his efforts were out of love. “Whatever happens, I think I’m going to listen to those machines for the rest of my life,” she stressed. The family was told the child’s life support machines would be shut down this Saturday morning and spent the last night with their son in the hospital. Speaking to Sky News, she further stated that the hospital “made it very clear that there were no more options.” “I did everything I promised my son I would,” she added.
After seeing the latest appeal filed with the Court of Appeal, in relation to the decision of the English Supreme Court not to allow the transfer of little Archie to a palliative care unit, to “spend the last moments with the family”, the parents of the British boy – who has been in a deep coma and brain-dead since April – did not give up and made a new appeal, this time to the European Court of Human Rights, which was also denied.
Archie was found unresponsive in April with signs of a ligature around his neck, likely as part of a viral online challenge.
The British court authorized the hospital in mid-July to end its life support, which included mechanical ventilation in combination with medication.
The doctors argued that his case was hopeless, thus justifying that decision.
But his parents, Hollie Dance and Paul Battersbee, supported by a Christian organization, multiplied the judicial resources.
The hospital “was very clear” about the fact that “there is no other option” and that the medical procedures would be interrupted on Saturday at 10:00 (6:00 in Argentina).
“It was very hard. I am devastated. I have done everything that I had promised my son to do,” added the woman.
Archie Battersbee died in hospital at 12.15pm today, two hours after his medication was stopped. His mum Hollie said he fought until the end. RIPhttps://t.co/KzpeA6S2ps pic.twitter.com/UkMjAVjlAW
— WalesOnline 🏴 (@WalesOnline) August 6, 2022
Thinking of wee Archie Battersbee and his family circle. From one mum to another my thought’s are with you. May he rest in peace. ❤️😞❤️ pic.twitter.com/Z1YhD513Aj
— Mandy (@Queenbee20221) August 6, 2022
The misogynists are out for little Archie Battersbee’s mummy.
Sickens me, even now they won’t leave her alone. Hate on women for fighting any battles/Don’t fight hate.
*Body language analysed*
Forever fight, you will be vilified regardless. #ArchieBattersbee pic.twitter.com/XTb9o1phkL
— Freedomflower74 🌹 (@LQQK1NGQQD) August 6, 2022
Archie Battersbee's mum says she has done everything she could as the family prepare for his life support to be withdrawn today. pic.twitter.com/sN1xeLvMrm
— airborne assault services (@Wayne57072607) August 6, 2022