LONDON, July 18, 2017 (LifeSiteNews) – American Dr. Michio Hirano and a doctor from a Vatican hospital examined baby Charlie Gard yesterday, and today have a critical meeting with his hospital.
Hirano has previously testified that he thinks Charlie has a 10 to 56 percent chance of improving with new cutting-edge treatment. Hirano is one of the world's leading experts on mitochondrial disease. Bambino Gesù Hospital in Rome has previously offered to admit and treat Charlie.
Charlie has a rare mitochondrial disease. His parents have raised more than $1.5 million to transfer him to the U.S. for experimental treatment, but English and European courts have ruled that his hospital can block his parents' wishes and pull the 11-month-old's life support.
The Daily Mail reported that Hirano and the Vatican doctor examined Charlie for five hours. He received a brain scan for which at least one of his parents was present. Charlie's government-appointed lawyer, who is supposed to argue for his interests but is a euthanasia activist, previously tried to prevent Charlie's parents from being allowed at this meeting. She was unsuccessful.
The Daily Mail called Hirano's meeting with Great Ormond Street Hospital today a “make-or-break” moment in Charlie's case.
Mr. Justice Francis, the judge who is re-examining Charlie's case, will make a determination about Charlie's fate on or around July 25. Hirano's findings will likely have a strong influence his decision.