Indi Gregory: European judges reject appeal over ill baby's case

A High Court judge has ruled doctors can lawfully limit life-support treatment for Indi Gregory, who has mitochondrial disease

European judges have rejected a bid by the parents of a critically ill baby to have her life-support treatment continued.

Earlier this month, a High Court judge ruled doctors could withdraw support for Indi Gregory, who has mitochondrial disease, against her parents' wishes.

They challenged the ruling but their case was dismissed by Court of Appeal judges on Monday.

Now an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has failed.

Indi's parents Dean Gregory and Claire Staniforth - from Ilkeston in Derbyshire - are being supported by the Christian Legal Centre (CLC), which said they had asked a European judge to "prohibit" the withdrawal of "life-sustaining treatment" until the ECHR had considered the case.

However, in a document seen by the BBC, the ECHR said it would not prohibit the withdrawal of life support and its decision could not be appealed against.

After Monday's hearing, father Dean Gregory said "we will continue to fight for Indi"

In a statement issued by the CLC, Mr Gregory said: "As a father and parent, I was willing to do everything I could to save my daughter's life from inhumane decisions and people trying to play god.

"To us she is everything and we will do everything we can to help until the end as it is our duty as parents to protect her."

Mitochondrial disease prevents cells in the body producing energy and the NHS says the condition is incurable.

Medics at Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre have said they can do no more for Indi.

Barrister Emma Sutton KC, who led Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust's legal team, previously said the treatment Indi received caused pain and was futile.

NUH's medical director Dr Keith Girling said: "Cases like this are incredibly difficult for everyone and our thoughts are with Indi's parents.

"Today's decision by the European Court of Human Rights concludes what has been a very difficult process.

"Our priority now is to provide the best possible care to Indi and to support her parents during this difficult time."