London, England (CNN) -- A baby born with a severe birth defect put its parents on opposing sides in a British court Monday over whether to switch off the child's life support.
The mother sides with doctors and favors disconnecting the baby's respirator. The father took the case to the High Court in London to stop them.
They say the child's lungs fill with fluid every few hours -- giving him the sensation he is choking -- and that doctors must then use suction to remove the fluid, also causing the child to suffer.
The father took the case to court to stop them.
He says the baby can play and recognize its parents. His lawyers plan to show videos of the baby in court to demonstrate he responds to the world around himself.
The baby's parents are amicably separated, the father's lawyer said.
No one involved in the case can be named due to a court order protecting their privacy.
The baby, known as RB, is about one year old and suffers from congenital myasthenic syndrome, a rare genetic condition which means he cannot breathe on his own.
"It causes severe muscle weakness, feeding and respiratory problems, and the disease is progressive," the hospital said in a statement.
The hospital, which is part of Britain's National Health Service, says it is doing what is best for the child.
"Baby RB's case is a deeply tragic one," the hospital said in a statement. "We understand how difficult this legal process must be for both parents and RB's extended family and friends. However, all those involved in the care of RB are taking these steps because they consider it is in RB's best interests."
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