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UK court rules against parents who want terminally ill son to go to Italy

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 13: People protest outside Alder Hey Hospital where terminally ill 23-month-old Alfie Evans is being cared for on April 13, 2018 in Liverpool, England. Tom Evans and Kate James, the parents of Alfie, are preparing a fresh request to Court of Appeal judges to allow Alfie Evans to continue to receive treatment at the Bambino Gesu hospital in Italy. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

LONDON — LONDON (AP) - Britain's Court of Appeal has ruled against the parents of a terminally ill toddler who are seeking permission to take him to Italy for medical treatment.

The parents of Alfie Evans have been engaged in a protracted legal fight with Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool over his care. Alfie's parents were trying to overturn earlier rulings that have blocked further medical treatment.

Alfie, now 23 months old, is in a "semi-vegetative state" as the result of a degenerative neurological condition that doctors have been unable to definitively identify. Courts have ordered life support to be withdrawn.

Pope Francis on Sunday prayed for Alfie and others who are suffering from serious infirmities.

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