March 28, 2024

Vatican-backed hospital proposes charter of rights for incurable children

Reaction to controversial Alfie Evans case

The cases of Alfie Evans and Charlie Gard rang bells around the world, not just in England. From Italy comes a proposal (PDF in Italian), a Charter of Rights for Incurable Children, which will be promoted in the European Parliament and hospitals around the world. The sponsor is Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, in Rome, which is linked to the Vatican.

The ten articles of the document are:

  • The child and his family are entitled to the best possible relationship with doctors and health personnel
  • The child and his family have the right to health education 
  • The child and his family have the right to obtain a second opinion
  • The child and his family have the right to receive the most competent diagnosis
  • The child has the right to access the best experimental treatment
  • The child is entitled to cross-border health transfers
  • The child has the right to continuity of care and palliative care
  • The child has the right to respect his person even in the final phase of life, without therapeutic obstinacy
  • The child and his family have a right to psychological and spiritual accompaniment.
  • The child and his family have the right to participate in care, research and reception activities

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