Boy receives surgery after court grants physicians guardianship in New Zealand 'Baby W' case

A New Zealand high court judge gave the guardianship of a six-month baby to the health authorities on Wednesday. The ruling came into effect after Baby W’s parents refused to consent to a life-saving surgery on the baby.

The surgery required a blood transfusion, and the parents insisted on getting the "unvaccinated blood".

The high court judge ruled in favour of the baby’s paediatrician after he sought guardianship. Open heart surgery of the baby has been successfully performed at Auckland’s Starship Hospital.


Six-month-old Baby W’s survival chances were slim unless he could have the surgery done. The parents insisted on being given a guarantee that the baby would only receive blood from an unvaccinated donor.

The high court’s decision will last through the baby’s post-operative recovery. The parents spoke through their lawyer, saying they will not appeal the court’s decision. They will spend this time with their baby, supporting him throughout the procedure.



Later today, Justice Ian Gault had to intervene last minute, ordering parents to allow the doctors to make preparations for the surgery. According to health services, the parents were blocking the staff from taking blood samples and X-rays.

The case is expected to have wide-ranging consequences. It would draw global attention and will attract protests from anti-vaxxers.

FAQs:

1. Who is Baby W of New Zealand?
   "Baby W" is a six-month-old who would not survive without a life-saving open heart surgery.
2. What is the reaction of "Baby W"'s parents after the court’s order?
   The parent’s lawyer, Sue Grey, said the parents wanted to spend a peaceful time with their baby. They will support him through the medical procedure.