Would you abort for Edwards syndrome?

[nappyaddict]

I know they say that most babies with Edwards syndrome are stillborn or die before they are 2 months old. But then there was Luke Winston-Jones who died at 10 months old and little Baby Grace who died a couple of days ago aged 5 months. After seeing how happy she looks in some of the photos and videos it has made me question whether I would abort for Edwards syndrome. Her own parents have said despite the broken hearts they have they would do it all again in a heartbeat because the last 5 months have been the best of their lives.

[Hlister90]

Just came across this thread and it's a bit of a sore subject for me, as my baby was diagnosed with Edwards syndrome almost 5 weeks ago and almost 4 weeks ago I made the difficult and heartbreaking decision not to continue with the pregnancy.

I appreciate that everyone's decision is purely based on the individuals themselves and I would never dream of judging anyone as it was the most heartbreaking and difficult thing I have ever had to go through in my life.

My decision was based on the fact that I already have a 3 year old girl who was aware that I was pregnant, we were so excited about having a baby brother for her however, I personally thought it would be more traumatising for both her and me to have continued, as I had an increased risk of miscarriage and the odds that the baby wouldn't live very long after birth.

I gave birth to my beautiful baby boy at 21 weeks and although he was born sleeping I was able to stay overnight in hospital with him by my side and had various mementos given to me by the hospital. We also had a private burial a week later. So I was lucky that this experience was made so special for me and I wouldn't change a thing I definately made the right decision for me.

I send all my love to anyone who ever has to go through it, it's unfair and heartbreaking but I'm slowly beginning to live my life again for the sake of my daughter.

We will always remember our son and he will always be a part of our life, I do not like to use the word "abort" or "termination" as I would never have wanted to do that but it was the best option for me and family.

For anyone being faced with this decision, follow your heart and do what's best for you and no one else.

[Strokethefurrywall]

I'm so very sorry for your loss Hlister90

I hope you have some wonderful people surrounding you right now and you're able to take the time to grieve and begin to heal.

[vrnzjwl]

I think you better do some research on Edwards syndrome. If you are an intelligent woman. You can fore see how much more horrible it would be for a woman to go through the entire pregnancy only to look upon an extremely(in most cases) deformed child and watch them die shortly after they are born, why put yourself through such a horrible experience. The testing they do for this syndrome is very conclusive and there's different things they can see as to how bad it will be. Given that information when there's really no hope?? why on earth go through this. It makes no sense

[EachandEveryone]

I wouldnt think twice about it.