19-year-old brave teenager passed on tragically.

Tragic Passing of a Brave Teenager

Teenager in Legal Battle with Doctors Passes Away

A courageous 19-year-old woman, involved in a legal battle with doctors over the withdrawal of her life-preserving treatment, has tragically passed away. However, she remains anonymous, referred to as ‘ST,’ due to stringent reporting restrictions that have enveloped her case in secrecy.

Family Gagged by Reporting Restrictions

ST’s grieving family expressed their distress, stating that even in their time of mourning, they are silenced by the court order that prevents them from publicly disclosing her name. Despite their pain, they remain committed to seeking justice for their daughter and bringing the events surrounding her ordeal to light.

Rare Degenerative Condition and Legal Battle

ST suffered from mitochondrial depletion syndrome, the same condition as baby Charlie Gard, and had lived a relatively independent life until she contracted Covid-19 last year. This illness severely worsened her condition, making her reliant on life support, a feeding tube, and dialysis. She desperately wanted to pursue life-extending clinical trials of nucleoside therapy in North America but was prevented from fundraising due to the same reporting restrictions imposed by the hospital during the legal battle to withdraw her treatment.

Relentless Family Efforts and Financial Struggles

ST’s family, fearing for her well-being, refused to leave her side, exhausting their livelihoods and life savings on legal fees that amounted to £25,000. Legal aid was inaccessible to them, and they bore the financial burden until the Christian Legal Centre stepped in to offer pro-bono assistance. They now face the daunting task of settling their debts and covering ST’s funeral costs.

Controversial Court Ruling and Lack of Mental Capacity

Despite ST being an adult capable of communicating her desire to live, a judge ruled last month that she lacked the mental capacity to make decisions or instruct her own lawyers. This decision contradicted assessments by two court-appointed psychiatrists who affirmed her capacity. Doctors argued that her refusal to accept their prognosis was a sign of delusion, leading to the Court of Protection’s involvement in her case. ST had initiated an appeal against this decision but passed away before it could be heard.

Call for Justice and Transparency

ST’s family asserts that their daughter found herself ensnared in a medical and legal system marked by a harmful paternalism that condemned her desire to live. Despite the reporting restrictions, they commend ST for bravely sharing her story, shedding light on her suffering and the potential for others to experience a similar ordeal. They seek justice not only for their daughter but for all victims of this system, urging support for their cause.

Tribute to a Courageous Soul

The Christian Legal Centre, supporting the family, paid tribute to ST, describing her as a courageous and beautiful soul. They emphasize that her case is not only about seeking justice for her and her family but also about ensuring transparency and proper scrutiny in such cases. ST’s advocacy for the value of life and justice remains an enduring legacy. The hospital trust that treated ST has been contacted for comment.