British toddler at center of legal battle dies after taken off life support

The terminally ill 23-month-old British toddler at the center of a legal battle died on Saturday.

The toddler, Alfie Evans, had a degenerative brain condition that was, according to doctors, incurable.

Evans had been in a semi-vegetative state for more than a year and the hospital he had been treated at in Liverpool, England concluded that any further treatment would be in vain.

The toddler’s parents had unsuccessfully fought a series of court battles to keep him on life support.

Nonetheless, the hospital took Evans off life support on Monday, against his parent’s wishes.

On Wednesday, the British Court of Appeals upheld a ruling that took away care and sustenance from the toddler and prevented his parents from seeking treatment elsewhere.

The parent’s fight to get medical care for their child attracted the attention of a number of U.S. political figures, especially conservatives.

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On the same day as the Court of Appeals ruling, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) called on the United Kingdom to allow Evans’ parents to take their child out of the country for medical care. He also used the Evans case to argue against socialized medicine.

It is a grim reminder that systems of socialized medicine like the NHS vest the state with power over human lives, transforming citizens into subjects.

Alfie’s life support was turned off two days ago.

— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) April 25, 2018

I urge the UK gov to grant the Evans family’s request to treat their precious child in Italy. Americans strive to achieve the promise of “life, liberty & the pursuit of happiness” for all our citizens, no matter how young or old.

— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) April 25, 2018

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert tweeted her support for the Evans family.

Our hearts and prayers are with brave #Alfie Evans, his family and friends. We understand the last few months have been difficult for them. We respect British law but we also appreciate Italy’s efforts to fulfill the family’s wishes.

— Heather Nauert (@statedeptspox) April 26, 2018

After Evans’ passing, a number of international leaders, including Pope Francis, honored the toddler and his parents.

I am deeply moved by the death of little Alfie. Today I pray especially for his parents, as God the Father receives him in his tender embrace.

— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) April 28, 2018