Baby RB’s father gives up fight to keep son on life support

November 11, 2009 by Shawn Douglas
Filed under: News

Baby RB’s father agreed with the mother and medical experts that removal of life support was the best option after hearing six days of testimony.

Baby RB, born with a debilitating genetic defect that causes muscles to malfunction, will be taken off life support after the father withdrew his opposition to the action, originally proposed by the mother.

The High Court’s Justice McFarlane gave a lengthy and carefully-worded statement, praising the estranged couple — identified only as Ms. KM and Mr. AB — for their dedication to their son’s plight.

Justice McFarlane said: “It is a fact that K and A have spent the most part of each and every day of the last 13 months at RB’s bedside, doing what they can to care for him, and, when the opportunity arises, to interest and stimulate him, seizing upon any sign of a spark and trying to develop it into something more.”

“They have put their adult lives on hold. The stress has been immense. It has cost them their relationship, but they still work together and do what they can to support their son.”

“When faced with the awfulness of the situation in which they found themselves, these two young people have stepped up to the plate and discharged the responsibility that life had thrust upon them by each showing 100 percent commitment to their child in a manner which can only command profound respect and admiration.”

The father changed his mind about maintaining life support after hearing six days of testimony from medical experts, most agreeing that his son’s condition will likely never improve. Most testimony given expressed concerns that the child couldn’t communicate his pain.

In a joint statement issued by the lawyers of the parents and the hospital, the couple said: “Although we are separated, we have always been united in wanting the best possible care for our son so that he may have the best quality of life. We have been at his bedside daily these last 13 months. We now wish to spend what little time remains with our beloved son.”

With the finalization of the order by the High Court, Baby RB will be given a sedative and then taken off life support in the next few days.