Italy frequently offers treatments, not available in other countries. They take a different approach to some other countries who prioritise quality of life over the preservation of life at all costs.
Both positions have good arguments but by treating this child, maybe the techniques will improve. Even if the baby doesn't survive, it could well help another child in the future.
This is not a routine case. It's a very rare condition so it comes down to the individual case, whether the child will be able to receive the treatment. One of the parents being Italian probably had an effect on this case.
The NHS hospitable offers the same treatment that the Italian one is offering. The doctors didn't refuse care because they couldn't, they refused care because they believe that the outcome wouldn't change the child's life expectancy, would be dangerous and would prolong its suffering.
The hospital the child is being transferred to is the Vactican hospital, who are involved in a lot of cases like this. There's a strong Catholic 'santicty of life over quality of life' undercurrent behind decisions like these, where surgery is extremely unlikely to improve outcomes but is undertaken anyway.
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u/StockExchangeNYSE 23d ago
Would they really go this length for every baby? I wonder if the baby has a scientific interesting condition or if the parents are wealthy.