Parents lose case over dead baby

KILMARNOCK - A sheriff yesterday backed an experienced doctor in his decision not to resuscitate a prematurely-born baby. But he criticised the paediatrician for classifying the baby's death as an abortion instead of a live birth, causing her parents unnecessary distress. The decision about the treatment of Rebecca Cassidy, who was born at Ayrshire Central Hospital on September 7th last year after 23 weeks, was both reasonable and in her best interests, said Sheriff Principal Robert Hay. Her mother, Kirsty (22), from Irvine, claimed the baby had looked normal and she accused her paediatrician, Dr Faisal al-Zidgali, of failing in his duty to keep the child alive.