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Archie in a coma: The cessation of life support has been postponed several times
Photo:
Hollie Dance / dpa
The terminally ill Archie must probably spend his last hours in the hospital and must not be transferred elsewhere.
The High Court in London rejected an application by the 12-year-old's parents because of the risks of a transfer.
They wanted to have him taken to a hospice.
It was in Archie's best interest that life support be removed at the hospital rather than in another setting, the judge said.
In theory, the Court of Appeal can still be involved.
The devices that are currently keeping the boy alive in a London hospital should continue to run until at least 2 p.m. local time.
The clinic had previously announced dates for the cessation of measures, which were repeatedly delayed due to the long legal dispute over Archie's fate.
unstable condition
Archie has been in a coma since April.
He sustained serious brain injuries in an accident at home in Southend-on-Sea, possibly during an internet dare.
The treating doctors see no chance of recovery.
The UK's highest court had backed the doctors' decision to let Archie die after it had already been diagnosed as brain dead.
It is in the boy's best interest.
A final appeal by the parents to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg was also unsuccessful.
Archie's parents then tried to have Archie transferred to a hospice so that their son could spend his final hours in a quieter, more peaceful environment.
However, the hospital refused: "Archie is in such an unstable condition that there is a significant risk even if he is turned inside his hospital bed, which must be done as part of his ongoing care," said the hospital operator.
If he was transferred by ambulance to a completely different area, his condition would most likely deteriorate rapidly.
apr/dpa