My son, Will, was born in 1998 at 22 weeks 3 days. I understand that he is Britain’s earliest surviving baby.
Will wasn’t treated for a long time because of his gestation. I held him in the delivery suite for 7 hours with no intervention as we waited for him to die.
The hospital took him down to the Special Care Baby Unit at 7 hours old. But Will wasn’t actively treated until he was 36 hours old and that was after I had been told that he really had no chance of survival and if he did survive he would be severely disabled.
If Will had died as he was expected to he wouldn’t have even been classified as a live birth but as a late miscarriage which meant that I wouldn’t have been able to register his birth and death.
Will is now nearly 10 years old, has no disabilities or after effects whatsoever and is among the brightest in his class. If he can survive, then so can others.
Liz Goddard
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October 29th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
This is what all women considering an abortion, all “doctors” performing abortions, and all members of the government who are not Pro-Life, MUST read.
There is always a way.
I’m so glad your beautiful baby survived.
He is an inspiration for all pregnant girls and women everywhere.
I believe if life is created, it is meant to be. If miscarriage occurs and the baby actually survives…well that shows the power of human life.
Thank you for letting me share.
November 27th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
What a wonderful testimony to the preciousness of all life. Thank you.
November 29th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Your story made me cry.
My daughter was ‘born’ at 22 weeks and because (or so I was told) policy on what constitutes late miscarriage as opposed to premature birth varies and my particular NHS trust consider anything under 24 weeks to be late miscarriage no attempt was made to save her.
In fact, under NHS policy she was still considered abortable had there been a flimsy medical excuse avalable.
Will’s story is a beautiful example of what is wrong with these policies.
January 7th, 2009 at 11:55 am
Lovely story
January 21st, 2009 at 4:26 pm
As a student miwdife i am appalled that it took the paediatrics/neonatal team 7 hours to decide to take your son to the neonatal ward, thank goodness for his willpower bless him!! i am so glad your story ended happily, and it makes me wonder whether all terminations for ‘abnormalties’ are fully justified after 20 weeks?
May 2nd, 2009 at 12:14 am
An inspirational little boy
July 28th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
I am a mum of a beautiful little boy and girl, and 22 weeks and 1 day pregnant just now. In both my previous pregnancies, I went into premature labour at 29 weeks and was given the drugs to stop it. This time, I have been having contraction like pains on and off since 19 weeks, but was told at my hospital that they would not attempt to save my baby until 23/24 weeks, should he or she decide to arrive early.
Your story made me smile and gave me hope. I have had a dragging pain around my middle and back all day, and am praying it goes away and my baby is fine. Congratulations on your beautiful little boy. Apart from hope, your story has given me courage and so if, god forbid, I end up having to go to hospital tonight, I will be insisting on treatment for my baby.
All the best,
Claire
September 13th, 2009 at 2:38 am
Will’s story is incredible! Thank you so much for sharing it with us!
October 12th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Hi,
Thank you for sharing your story. At 16 I was in a serious relationship with a man of 30. I am quite advanced for my age and when I found out I was pregnant I was so happy. But at 7 weeks I had an abortion as my partner made me feel I would be alone if I didnt and I didnt want to be a typical “teenage mum”. Now, at 17, almost 18 I am pregnant again with the same man. He dosent want to keep the baby but I am determined not to be scared this time. Babies are miricals and I think if it wasnt the right time then God or some other force would make me misscarry. I think I have a gift and my baby could bring great things to this world. I have a strong mind and know what I want to do with my life. Your story has inspired me to keep my baby even more. No matter how low or alone I feel. And if i really did end up alone and unable to give my baby the best life possible then I would rather have him/her adopted to a long awaiting family who so despratly want to have a child. I regret my abortion so much but I am very scared this time. I know my life will change for ever and I will never have the care free life most teenage girls have. But I think a family unit and a baby brings more joy and happiness then freedom, parties and girls holidays!
Thank you for telling this amazing stroy, God bless you both
x
April 13th, 2010 at 12:23 pm
God bless Will and his parents, what a lovely gift to our world.
Crystal God bless you for a wonderful decision to preserve and nurture your child who is indeed a gift of God.You are special and your child will be equally special as you are both made in the image and likeness of God.