Charlie Gard Case

What happened

Charlie Gard was an infant with a rare genetic disorder. His parents raised funds to pursue experimental treatment in the US, but doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital believed it wouldn't help and would prolong his suffering. The case went to court, and the judge ruled in favour of the doctors, sparking global debates about parental rights versus medical expertise.

Analysis

This case is often used to explore medical ethics. For interviews, you could discuss:

• How to balance parents' wishes with the best interests of the patient.
• The importance of clear, compassionate communication between doctors and families during emotionally charged situations.
• How such cases require doctors to make decisions based on evidence and the principle of non-maleficence (doing no harm).

Being able to reflect on the complexity of this situation shows you can think critically about ethical dilemmas in medicine.