A Christian whose 11-month-old son is on life support has told a High Court judge that doctors should not be the ones to decide when he dies.

Isaiah Haastrup is in intensive care at King's College Hospital in London, where specialists have said it is not in his best interests to continue treatment. He is brain-damaged and profoundly disabled, but can still feel pain.

However, his parents Takesha Thomas and father Lanre Haastrup disagree and the case is now before the High Court.

Takesha Thomas said yesterday her son's life was worth preserving.

'I am a Pentecostal Christian,' she told Mr Justice MacDonald at the private hearing.

'For me, I don't think it is right to say who should live or who should die.'

She added: 'If God wants to take the person, he will.'

Isaiah was deprived of oxygen at birth, has a low level of consciousness and does not respond to stimulation, according to doctors. He cannot breathe independently.

However, his mother said: 'When I take him out for cuddles, when I sing to him, when I rock he feels sleepy in my arms.

'When I speak to him he will respond, slowly, by opening one eye.

'When I speak to him I call his name. I say, "Isaiah, it's mummy." He will always give me a response to me by opening one eye.'

She continued: 'I see a child who is injured. He needs love. He needs care. I have it. I can give it.

'To say it is so poor, it is not worth living, that is not right. It is not their decision to make.'

Barrister Fiona Paterson, representing King's College Hospital, said overwhelming medical evidence showed that stopping treatment was in Isaiah's best interests.

MacDonald has ruled the case can be reported but has ruled that medics involved in Isaiah's care cannot be identified. The hearing ends today.