We must all work to avoid disputes over the care of very ill children

Modern medicine has the power to enhance and prolong the lives of seriously ill children. This is clearly good news, but sometimes it leads to ethical dilemmas. If health professionals and parents cannot agree on what is in a child’s best interest, the decision may be taken to court. Recently, there have been several high-profile disputes, such as the one between the parents of Alfie Evans and Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool, UK, over whether or not to withdraw life support.

Parents are right to fight for their…