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Mother who terminated pregnancy over rare condition gives birth to disabled baby who later dies-Ruth Lawes-Entertainment – Metro
Natasha appeared in Channel 4 documentary Disability and Abortion: The Hardest Choice.
Ruben and Ruth presented the documentary (Picture: Channel 4)
A mother has shared her harrowing story of how she gave birth to a disabled newborn who died in her arms after she terminated a baby with a rare condition.
Natasha spoke to Years and Years actor Ruth Madeley in new Channel 4 documentary Disability and Abortion: The Hardest Choice about the loss of her children.
The hour-long programme, which aired on Monday, examined the ethics around abortion law in the UK, which currently states that unborn babies diagnosed as being at risk of severe impairments or health conditions can be terminated up until full term.
When Natasha fell pregnant with a daughter named Mylie three years ago, she was told by doctors during the 20-week scan she had severe disabilities.
If the pregnancy were to continue, Mylie would have to be delivered ‘very prematurely’, which would pose a risk of death to the baby.
In addition, Natasha developed pre-eclampsia, which can lead to serious complications for the mother and child.
On medics’ advice, Natasha made the difficult decision to have an abortion after 23 weeks.
Ruth said her ‘heart broke’ for Natasha (Picture: Getty Images)
After falling pregnant again, Natasha was informed that the child had serious conditions and had a caesarean at 29 weeks.
Tragically, her baby died in her arms three days later.
Reflecting on her meeting with Natasha, Ruth, who was born with spina bifida, said she had previously viewed abortion laws as a ‘personal attack’.
Saying she felt ‘guilty and overwhelmed’, she added the conversation had made her ‘feel bad’ about her views as someone leading a ‘proud disabled life’.
Ruth added her ‘heart broke’ for Natasha, but said to the audience: ‘Not all disabilities are a death sentence.’
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The performer, who starred in The Rook, hosted the documentary along with Ruben Reuter and met with people and advocates who had opposing views on abortion and disability law.
‘The best thing we can do is just live our very, very happy, full and disabled lives,’ she concluded. ‘And show the world how fabulous we are.’
Disability and Abortion: The Hardest Choice is available to stream on All 4.
Pregnancy loss helpline
For emotional support, you can contact Miscarriage Association’s pregnancy loss helpline on 01924 200799 or email info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk.
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