Edyta Mordel—originally from Poland but now living in Reading, Berkshire, England—became pregnant in 2014.
Now she may receive £200,000 ($245,000) from the National Health Service (NHS) for "wrongful birth."
When Mordel's son was born she was "very upset and angry" to learn Aleksander had Down Syndrome. Mordel—a single parent at the time of her son's birth—thought she received an all clear for her child's health.
As a result she brought a suit citing medical negligence against the NHS.
She could receive up to £200k over the “wrongful birth” https://t.co/i6LSiruR53— The Daily Record (@The Daily Record) 1570654888.0
But NHS doctors claimed Mordel waived the screening for Down Syndrome provided by NHS at 10-14 weeks of pregnancy. A judge disagreed saying they failed to get informed consent.
Mordel stated during the case:
"I knew someone from work with Down's syndrome. I saw how difficult his life is and I would not have continued my pregnancy."
"I would not have wanted a disabled child and I would not have wanted my child to suffer the way disabled people suffer."
"I wouldn't want to have brought my child into the world like that."
Scheduled to receive the tests, hospital officials claimed Mordel declined during the appointment.
The judge ruled the sonographer was too "abrupt" in their questions and too willing to accept Mordel's automatic "no" in a series of questions.
The judge stated:
"She knew, or ought to have known, Ms Mordel had indicated provisionally she wanted Down's screening."
Wrongful birth case- child born with Downs Syndrome- report states that "sonographer had failed to obtain {the wo… https://t.co/XgIt9nEaMG— Jean McHale (@Jean McHale) 1570552807.0
They added:
"Nothing I have said should be interpreted as suggesting that the birth of a child with Down's syndrome must be seen as unwelcome."
Peopleare divided on the case.
A response to the wrongful birth case. Thanks to @ColetteLloyd and @Adam_Pearson Parents of kids with Down's syndro… https://t.co/dguzKJdhHv— Sally Phillips (@Sally Phillips) 1570792208.0
I've commented on 'wrongful birth' cases before- the language in this article doesn't do justice to the issue at ha… https://t.co/Zdc4vtZ3aF— Joseph Norton (@Joseph Norton) 1570552359.0
It is not wrongful that babies are born with Down syndrome or other disabilities. 😤 It is wrongful that taxpayer m… https://t.co/5zZ2qSsaCC— Right To Life UK (@Right To Life UK) 1570708831.0
What Mummy Didn't Want. @47StripeySocks articulately & brilliantly sums up my anger and disappointment in this part… https://t.co/1vAFny6XfE— Alison Morley (@Alison Morley) 1570625806.0
Disabled ppl are shamed for being pro-choice 4 that reason. It's socially acceptable to have an abortion if your ch… https://t.co/nvi0PO3KdJ— Ola Ojewumi (@Ola Ojewumi) 1570747709.0
‘The judge was quick to say that this case did not reflect on the value of lives of people with Down’s syndrome, al… https://t.co/KqiFHI2269— Amy Plender (@Amy Plender) 1570794416.0
‘In bringing a costly ‘Wrongful Birth’ suit against the NHS she has actually done a great deal of harm to her fello… https://t.co/6qH1DkCn5a— 47 Stripey Socks (@47 Stripey Socks) 1570622355.0
Mordel is raising her son, who is 4 years old now. Her lawsuit was about medical negligence according to her filing, not an indication she does not love or take care of her son.
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