Baby M - Appeals Court Affirms Ruling Allowing Removal of Life Support over Parents' Objections

On Friday, the Alberta Court of Queen's Bench agreed with doctors that it is in 2 1/2 year-old Baby M's best interest to be removed from machines keeping her alive and to be provided with palliative care.  That conclusion, based on a best interest analysis, was unaffected by the wishes of Baby M's parents or their Muslim beliefs.  The conclusion was only reinforced by the fact that the parents are charged with inflicting the very injuries that caused Baby M's vegetative state, indicating that their decisions on Baby M's behalf are probably not in her best interest.



Yesterday, the Alberta Court of Appeal upheld the Court of Queen's Bench order.  The Appeal Court also ruled that each parent will be allowed a separate final 20-minute visit with the girl, if Edmonton police have the resources to accompany them.  Today, the Supreme Court of Canada dismissed an appeal to that court. So, the Court of Queen's Bench order is now final.