This week, a UK judge ruled that a hospital can remove Alta Fixsler’s life support, instead of letting her parents bring her to Israel. Tell the hospital to honor her parent’s wishes!
A British appeals court on Monday upheld a lower court’s ruling that a hospital can remove two-year-old Alta Fixsler from life support, despite the objections of her parents, who are now appealing to Britain’s Supreme Court.
Due to complications during birth, Alta Fixsler has been on a respirator all her life.
The Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital wants to remove Alta’s respirator and place her in palliative care. According to the hospital, Alta can sense discomfort, but has “no prospect” of recovery.
The parents are Orthodox Jews and Israeli nationals.
Withdrawing life support violates their religious beliefs and they want to transfer their daughter to a hospital in Israel. Alta’s father, Abraham Fixsler, also has U.S. citizenship. Hospitals in Israel and New Jersey have agreed to accept Alta.
Philanthropists have already agreed to cover the cost of medical air transport at no cost to the family or the British government.
The Manchester hospital refuses to discharge Alta.
The Fixslers sued the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, but lost an appeal this week. They are now seeking relief from the High Court.
Before stepping down from his post, Israeli president Reuven Rivlin appealed to Prince Charles to help the family. Then Israeli health minister Yuli Edelstein made a similar request to his British counterpart, Health Secretary Matt Hancock.
U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) obtained an emergency visa for Alta and notified British authorities he is also working to secure her U.S. citizenship too. The Board of Deputies of British Jews, as well as Britain’s Chief Rabbi have also been involved.
In addition to praying for Alta bat Chaya, you can add your voice to the those demanding that the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital permit Alta’s parents to keep her on life support and bring her to Israel.
1. Send CEO of the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Stephen Dickson a respectful message on Twitter.
2. Send a respectful email to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital at: pals@mft.nhs.uk.
