UK Court Denies Teen's Plea for Autonomy in Care Decision Due to Rare Disorder

A UK court has ruled that a 19-year-old critically ill female patient with a rare genetic mitochondrial disease cannot make her own decisions about continuing her medical care, despite her desire to pursue experimental treatment. The patient, known as "ST," has spent the past year in the ICU and requires a ventilator, feeding tube, and regular dialysis. Her doctors believe she is "actively dying" and should receive palliative care, while her family argues that she is conscious and able to communicate. The court has determined that "ST" is mentally incapable of making decisions for herself and that her future care should be determined by the Court of Protection.