this writer is far more politically correct than i am, and far more patient in the face of the absurdities and idiocies of faith than i ever was, am now or ever will be.

but, this is the absolutely key point that we must continue to fight to uphold against reactionaries that would turn back the clock:

The first is to recognise that children do not belong to their parents. Second, when a claim is made that parents have rights over their children, it is important to step back and examine the language used. We need to remind ourselves that parents do not have rights regarding their children, they only have duties, the principal duty being to act in their children’s best interests. This has been part of the fabric of our law and our society for a long time. Third, if we are concerned with the language of rights, it is, of course, children who have rights; any rights that parents have exist only to protect their children’s rights.

this is actually much tamer language than i would use, and gives parents far more control over their children than i would allow. but, it is the crux of the point, here.

and, it is one that is settled in law.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/jul/24/charlie-gard-tragic-respect-courts