Archie Battersbee's family making urgent application to ECHR

Archie Battersbee has never regained consciousness since his accident in April. (Photo: GoFundMe)

The family of Archie Battersbee are making an urgent application to the European Court of Human Rights to stop his life support from being removed.

They were given until 9am this morning to submit the application after the Supreme Court yesterday refused an appeal. 

Barts Health NHS Trust has told the family that Archie's life support will be withdrawn at 11am if the application is not submitted in time. 

The family and their lawyers have expressed frustration at the tight deadline and the Trust's refusal to allow Archie to be moved to a hospice. 

"This is cruel and we are absolutely appalled," said Archie's mother, Hollie Dance. 

Following an application by the family, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD) asked for a temporary stay on the withdrawal of Archie's life support while it considers his case.

The government said in its submissions to the Supreme Court that interventions by the UN CRPD are "not binding" under international law. 

Archie, 12, was found unconscious in his home in Southend, Essex, with a ligature around his neck. His mother thinks he may have been taking part in an online challenge.

He has never regained consciousness but Ms Dance maintains that she has seen improvements in her son and that he should be given more time to recover. 

His family are being supported by the Christian Legal Centre, who are asking for prayers. 

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
Egyptian government grants legal status to 191 churches and affiliated buildings
Egyptian government grants legal status to 191 churches and affiliated buildings

Despite constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, many Christians continue to report discrimination and social pressure.

Violence against religious leaders has been ‘normalised’ in Colombia - the authorities must act to protect them
Violence against religious leaders has been ‘normalised’ in Colombia - the authorities must act to protect them

In 2023 the Colombian government withdrew special protections for religious leaders, leaving them increasingly exposed to the rising tide of violence in the country. These must be restored.

Dilapidated chapel among Britain's 10 most endangered buildings
Dilapidated chapel among Britain's 10 most endangered buildings

Many cemetery chapels are in a state of disrepair and neglect.

Abortions hit record levels in Scotland
Abortions hit record levels in Scotland

Abortions have risen on both a gross and per capita basis.