Mother told to abort her baby at 20 weeks over fears he would 'be paralysed and have no quality of life' gives birth a healthy son
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At her 20 week scan, Gemma Rogers, 24, was told to abort her foetus
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Medics said the baby boy had spina bifida, meaning he would be paralysed
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She defied doctors and Ciaran, now 3, was born completely healthy
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Miss Rogers is 'furious' doctors told her to abort and wants an apology
At her 20-week scan, medics told the 24-year-old her baby would likely be born paralysed, incontinent and would have no quality of life.
She was urged to terminate the pregnancy, but was so desperate to be a mother she refused the procedure - and says it's the best decision she has ever made.
But, Ciaran, now three, was born with no health problems and is developing like any other toddler.
He has defied doctors to learn to walk and be potty trained.
Ciaran was born in May 2012 weighing a healthy 5lb 13oz by Caesarean-section at Glasgow Royal Infirmary
Miss Rodgers, a student from Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, is now slamming doctors at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.
She said: 'A mother's instinct is always right and I knew from the moment I was told he would be disabled that I didn't want to give up hope on my son.
'I'm so glad I didn't because he is perfect in every way.
'He is a real miracle and I am furious at the doctors who told me to get rid of him.'
Miss Rogers and her partner at the time Ross Kelter, 31, a floor layer, were devastated when they were told at the 20-week scan that their baby would be paralysed.
Doctors warned the unborn baby boy had spina bifida, a condition where the spine does not develop properly.
They said this meant he would never walk, talk or go to the toilet for himself and would have a drastically shortened life expectancy.
Miss Rogers was advised she could choose to terminate the pregnancy then and there, but the mother-to-be chose not to give up on her son.
She said: 'When we were told our baby would have no life at all, we were heartbroken.
'But I've always wanted to be a mum and just couldn't bear to terminate my pregnancy.'
Ciaran was born in May 2012 weighing a healthy 5lb 13oz by Caesarean section at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, before being whisked away for three days of tests.
Miss Rogers said: 'Doctors said he would need a shunt fitted in his brain to drain any fluid and it was written into his medical notes that he had been born with the severest form of spina bifida.'
Incredibly, Ciaran defied doctors' predictions by being absolutely fine - and he even learned how to walk at just 15 months old.
Although doctors said he would be incontinent and wanted to catheterise him as a baby, Ciaran, now three, is now fully potty trained and happy and healthy.
Miss Rodgers said: 'I would very much like an apology from the hospital.
'I could have terminated my pregnancy because of their warnings and I don't see how they could have got it so wrong.
'The moment I saw Ciaran walk was the best day of my life, it was amazing. Now as he gets older, I see he is just like any other child. He is a real miracle.
A spokesperson for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, who run the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, said no pregnant woman would be pressured into having an abortion.
They said: 'This patient's ultrasound scan was performed by experienced Consultant Obstetricians skilled in Fetal Medicine who then provided further follow up care.
'With reference to NHS HIS (Healthcare Improvement Scotland) Pregnancy and Newborn Screening Standards and in line with normal practice a skilled member of staff, usually a consultant obstetrician, would discuss the findings from an ultrasound scan where a diagnosis of spina bifida had been made.
'During this consultation the clinician would make her aware that there are a range of physical or mental disabilities that may affect their baby including the most severe end of the spectrum of abnormalities together with the milder end of the spectrum of abnormalities.
'We would always acknowledge at this time that there is a degree of uncertainty and inaccuracy in attempting to predict the degree of mental or physical disability that the child will be affected with.
They added: 'Our staff also have a duty to discuss with the pregnant woman all of the available options which would include the offer of a termination.
'However, no pregnant woman would be pressured into making the decision to terminate a pregnancy.
'We have written to the patient addressing all the concerns she has raised and are sorry she remains dissatisfied with our full response.'