Le decisioni sul termine della vita degli infanti nella giurisprudenza inglese

Abstract

The essay analyses English case law on removing life-support to minors who cannot decide on their health due to age or disease. In such delicate circumstances, doctors asked to withdraw the treatment since it is futile, and parents opposed them, pointing out that its continuation does not cause significant harm to their child. The recourse to a guiding criterion for the judges to decide impartially is thus necessary. However, as the Author noted, using the child’s best interest could raise concerns, resulting in an empty formula whose content ultimately depends on the judges’ conscience and beliefs.