How Alfie Evans Was Sentence To Death
As a mom of a 5-year-old, my heart broke for both Tom, Kate and especially Alfie. As we all know from the media reporting out of England, the heart breaking story of Alfie Evans who literally had to fight for his life on the 23rd of April 2018.
The doctors removed Alfie’s life support (ventilator) because of Alfie’s hopeless diagnosis (a rare progressive neuro-degenerative disease associated with severe epilepsy). Basically, it meant, his doctors prescribed a death sentence for Alfie because his life was deemed futile. Therefore, ‘end of life care’ became the only option for Alfie as his final stage of healthcare ended.
There Is Hope For Alfie Evans
Guess what? After 100 hours, Alfie is still breathing, on his own with only 1 litre of oxygen to supplement what he needs. He is an awesome strong fighter. Showing the entire world that he desires to live. There is hope for Alfie Evans.
What More Does Alfie Evans Have To Prove His Desire To Live?
Down Syndrome was a death sentence for many babies in 1945. Yet, we have come this far to acknowledge that children with Down Syndrome are capable of living a good quality of life. Years down the road, we will continue to find ways to support children with rare neuro-degenerative diseases and give them a chance (that same chance we give to children with Downs) to thrive.
Is it not possible? Why should Alfie’s life be cut short because of his condition? Is he to be blamed for the condition he was born with? If not, he does not deserve to die.
We as a society we should learn to empathize and find treatments to assist these children live a full life. We have no right to decide their fate even as care providers and specialists. If the professionals have the right to end a life, then, they have the power to remove a society as they see fit. Now, that is scary!
Leave your comment below. Let us know what you think.
An unexpected update: Alfie Evans passed away in the early morning. Please come together to send our deepest condolences to Tom and Kate. Alfie fought a good fight. Yes, he did!