'We have set our tiny miracle free': Alberta parents take baby off life-support

EDMONTON — A four-month-old baby at the centre of a legal battle between his parents and Alberta doctors died in the arms of his mother and father Thursday after being taken off life-support.

The death of Isaiah James May was announced at a news conference in Edmonton.

Lawyer Rosanna Saccomani spoke for parents Isaac and Rebecka May, who had initially fought in court to keep their child on life-support against doctors' advice. "It's been very difficult for them, but they are at peace," she said.

The Mays also spoke out in a prepared statement Thursday, expressing how they wanted to be sure they had done everything for their son.

"As all parents, we had looked forward to this moment with great anticipation and notwithstanding the events surrounding his birth we held out hope there would come a time when we might see his smile or hear his laugh," they said.

"Over these last four months, we have cherished every moment with our son. We have marvelled at the perfection of his hands and feet and face, at the colour of his eyes and the shade of his hair. We have wondered who he most resembled. All along, it was our hope that his condition would brighten and improve.

"It has not."

When Isaiah was born on Oct. 24, his umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck, choking off oxygen and causing what doctors said was severe, irreversible brain damage.

Doctors recommended taking the baby off life support Jan. 20.

The Mays went to court to ask for extra time to get expert opinion from outside Alberta.

A Victoria neonatologist assessed Isaiah in February and was to offer a second opinion in the case, along with another American doctor, who helped explain in detail the brain function and further medical condition of their son.

The Mays learned Isaiah couldn't live without being hooked up to a breathing machine.

"We very much believe a life is a gift from God and that our son's inherent value and worth as a human being is not diminished by the number of days recorded in this world," the parents said through Saccomani Thursday.

"Isaiah has reminded all of us once again that life is precious and fragile . . . we will never forget the miracle of his birth, the Christmas we spent together and the early spring day when we said our goodbyes.

"We have set our tiny miracle free and he's now home in the arms of angels."

On Thursday afternoon, Alberta Health Services expressed condolences.

"Understandably this is an extremely emotional time and it is important to be respectful of the May family's need for privacy given the difficult decision they have made," the statement read.

"All Alberta Health Services' physicians and staff who have been involved in caring for Baby Isaiah were touched by the May family's strength.

"Our deepest sympathies go out to the family. At this time we would ask that the family's request for privacy be respected."

On Tuesday, Rebecka May posted a message on a Facebook forum, asking for prayers of strength and thanking people from around the world for their support.

"We are doing OK," Rebecka wrote. "Whatever we have to face all things are possible with God."

With files from Global News