Mummy Buzz

Jan
09
2012

Baby Induced Early to Meet Dying Sister

Prematurity Can Cause Complications

It may sound like the plot of a Jodi Picoult novel, but a British woman induced her labour so that her terminally ill younger daughter could meet her new sister.

Just as her parents discovered they were expecting a baby, ten-year-old Katy Holmes was diagnosed with a fatal brain tumour. The cancer was so aggressive, and Katy's condition deteriorated so quickly that her parents ultimately decided to deliver baby Scarlet three weeks early.

“The realization that I was pregnant and that Katy might not get to see the baby was terrifying,” said mom Paula. “Katy loves Scarlet, and seems to have a special way with her. All we have to do is put Scarlet in her arms and she starts smiling.”

Even though doctors were ok with the induction, not everyone agrees it was the right move, as prematurity can lead to complications.

As for Katy, who's been given between six and nine months to live, she hasn't been told her condition is terminal.

Family, friends and fellow students have been fundraising to tick off some of Katy's wish list items, including a husky dog sleigh ride and seeing The Lion King in London.

Do you think the family made the right call to jeopardize their baby's life by inducing her, and keeping Katy in the dark about her illness?

Category: 
Tags: