The mother of Archie Battersbee, who was found unconscious in his home in April, has said she will not accept the death of her son "until it's God's way" following a High Court decision to turn off his life support.
The Christian campaigning group supporting Archie's family have labelled the new verdict "devastating" and "ludicrous."
His family have already announced that they will appeal the High Court's decision; they are adamant that their son should be given more time.
Speaking outside the courthouse, Archie's mother, Hollie Dance, said: "I am devastated and extremely disappointed by the judge's ruling after weeks of fighting a legal battle when I wanted to be at my little boy's bedside.
"Basing this judgment on an MRI test and that he is 'likely' to be dead, is not good enough. This is believed to be the first time that someone has been declared 'likely' to be dead based on an MRI test.
"The medical expert opinion presented in Court was clear in that the whole concept of 'brain death' is now discredited, and in any event, Archie cannot be reliably diagnosed as brain-dead.
"I feel sickened that the hospital and the judge have failed to take the wishes of the family into consideration.
"I do not believe Archie has been given enough time. From the beginning I have always thought 'why the rush?' His heart is still beating, he has gripped my hand, and as his mother, I know he is still in there.
"Until it's God's way I won't accept he should go. I know of miracles when people have come back from being brain dead.
"This case raises the significant moral, legal and medical questions as to when a person is dead. What does this ruling today tell us about where our society is at?
"We intend to appeal and will not give up on Archie."
Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, who are supporting the family's legal case, said: "This ruling is a devastating moment for Archie and his family. The idea that death can be declared on the balance of probability is frankly ludicrous. Life is the most precious gift that we have. This ruling sets a troubling and dark precedent.
"This case has raised significant moral, legal and medical questions as to when a person is dead. Archie's parents do not accept that he is dead and are fighting courageously for his life.
"They will not give up now and intend to appeal. We will continue to stand with the family and continue to pray for a miracle.”