COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.—Dr. James Dobson issues the following statement in defense of the right to life for Alfie Evans, 23-month-old who was the subject of a tragic court battle in England and passed away this past weekend:
“From an ocean away, Americans watched the heartbreaking story of Alfie Evans unfold in tragic detail. After being informed by doctors that Alfie’s neurological disorder would inevitably take his life, his parents were instructed that the only ‘humane’ course of action was to remove Alfie from a ventilator, stop feeding him, and let him die. But for days after being removed from life support, Alfie clung to life and his will to live inspired an army of supporters all around the world. I count myself among them.
“Despite multiple attempts, British courts time and again prohibited his parents from transporting the 23-month-old to Italy, where citizenship and free medical care would have been graciously provided at no cost to the family or taxpayers of Great Britain. Alfie’s legal battle, while unsuccessful in releasing Alfie from a British hospital, succeeded in exposing the dirty underbelly of the National Health System, the British socialized medical system often hailed by those on the left in our own country as the world’s standard bearer. The NHS and the British courts chose bureaucracy and budget over the sanctity of human life. The world watched on in horror, and as such, they should all be terribly ashamed.”
“The sanctity of every human life is not only foundational to our Christian faith, but it should be the legal foundation of every free democracy. I can find no rational explanation for the NHS or the courts’ refusal to allow Alfie’s parents to pursue whatever means available to them to prolong, or even save Alfie’s life. Alfie’s case serves as a powerful reminder of why Americans should never allow our medical care to be handed over to bureaucratic administrators. Shirley and I offer our condolences to Alfie’s parents and I encourage everyone to pray for them as they grieve the loss of their son. From the ailing and elderly to the unborn, may our own government be moved by Alfie’s story to enact laws that more fully protect the sanctity of all human life.”
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Dr. James Dobson is a celebrated psychologist, Christian leader, and Founder and President of Family Talk, a nonprofit organization that produces his radio program, “Dr. James Dobson’s Family Talk.” He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California in the field of child development with a minor in research design. Dr. Dobson was inducted into The National Radio Hall of Fame in 2008.
Website |www.drjamesdobson.org
