ST. LOUIS (AP) - The child known as Baby Joseph is now receiving care at a Catholic hospital in the U.S. after doctors in Canada sought to remove the breathing tube keeping him alive.
Joseph Maraachli (Muh-RAHSH'-lee) is 13 months old and suffers from a neurodegenerative disease. He had been hospitalized since October at London Health Sciences Centre in Ontario.
Doctors in Canada say the illness is irreversible and wanted to remove the breathing tube. His parents appealed to Canadian courts, but the hospital's decision was upheld.
What followed was a social media blitz aimed at convincing the hospital to change course. It refused, so the parents reached out to U.S. hospitals. Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis agreed to accept Joseph. He was flown to Cardinal Glennon late Sunday.
More online:
Toronto Sun: Baby Joseph to get surgical procedure
Globe & Mail: Ontario baby at centre of ethics debate taken to U.S. for medical treatment