Geraldine Van Bueren QC, Professor of International Human Rights Law at Queen Mary, contributes to The Times’ Letters section. She writes: “Sir, The plight of Alfie Evans has at its core whether society wants the fate of a child to be decided upon by the courts relying upon medical evidence or by the parents. The child’s rights in abstract are clear: the overriding best interests of the child, the right to life, the right to dignity, and to the highest attainable standard of healthcare. In cases of abuse and neglect their application may be clearer. It is, however, not to cast doubts on the wisdom, compassion and expertise of the medical profession or the judiciary to acknowledge that the human spirit is indomitable and that there have been cases where against all the odds individuals have survived and flourished.” Read the full letter (subscription required).