High Court rules woman with anorexia can be tube fed against her wishes

Her treating team told the court the 18-year-old does not appreciate the severity of her condition which could be “potentially fatal” if it continues

The judge heard the woman’s parents support the orders but have concerns they are being excluded from consideration about her care and treatment and wished to see medical reports concerning her. File photo

A High Court judge has made orders permitting a young woman with severe anorexia to be tube fed against her wishes after being told doctors fear a “potentially fatal” outcome if that does not occur.

The now 18-year-old woman has received treatment for anorexia since she was a teenager. She was made an adult ward of court last autumn based on medical evidence, due to the impact of anorexia, she lacks capacity to make decisions concerning her medical treatment.