In December 2020, medics went to court seeking permission to cease treating Pippa Knight, 5, who has been in hospital for two years. Justice Poole ruled that specialists could lawfully stop treatment. With the backing of SPUC, Pippa’s brave mum, Paula Parfitt, launched a court appeal intended to save her daughter’s life. However, last month, three appeal judges ruled against her. Today the Supreme Court rejected giving Pippa another chance of hope. 

The case has been supported by SPUC, the UK's largest pro-life NGO.

SPUC Deputy CEO John Deighan commented “I have just been speaking with Pippa’s mum, Paula, and she is understandably devastated. She asks that people keep Pippa and her family in their prayers. This has been a tremendous effort for the whole family and the legal team who have fought to keep Pippa alive. We have backed this case because we believe that every human life is valuable and worthy of care. Paula has been a heroic example of a loving mother and we want to support her. She is right to expect that our society should treasure every person no matter what their condition of health. I believe the videos show that Pippa’s treatment is not over-burdensome and that she derives great benefit from her mum's care. It is a tragedy that we are powerless before our courts to keep her alive.”

Following today's devastating news, the family is exploring options to claim Asylum in Canada where there is a possibility of treatment.