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A baby born in Edmonton earlier this year touched off the latest in a string of emotional end-of-life court battles, dying after a judge said removing her from life support was the “kindest” option available, a just-released written ruling reveals.

Ava Chalifoux-Campiou was so severely disabled by a deadly genetic defect, she often looked in pain and even had a “silent cry,” medical staff said. They insisted she be allowed to succumb to her condition peacefully.

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Her mother, though, said the girl was a “fighter” and opposed disconnecting her from a ventilator. Still grieving over the deaths of two other children, Roseanne Chalifoux took the hospital to court.

The issue of who has the final say on life-and-death medical treatment remains legally hazy in most provinces, despite numerous court clashes.

The focus should be on changing Ava’s care to comfort and palliation…. This is thought to be the kindest and most appropriate care

Justice Debra Yungwirth eventually sided with the hospital, citing both the girl’s best interests and the “great moral distress” of staff caring for the suffering infant.