A 19-month-old boy whose terminal illness started a contentious legal and ethical debate over who decides when life-sustaining treatment should cease has died.

Emilio Gonzales died in his mother's arms Saturday night at Children's Hospital of Austin, Texas.

Emilio, who had been on a respirator since December, was believed to have Leigh's disease, a progressive illness which destroys brain functions. His mother had fought in court to continue his medical care while doctors, saying there was no hope of recovery, sought to remove him from the machines keeping him alive.

Doctors wanted to invoke a state law allowing the hospital to stop life support after a 10-day notice for patients deemed medically futile.

Emilio's mother, Catarina Gonzales, said she knew her son would die but wanted doctors to continue care, pointing out that he smiled and turned his head when he heard voices.

The state Senate approved legislation this month to change the law and give patients' families more time before ending life-sustaining treatment.

via cnn.com