Friday, 29 Mar 2024

Teen gives birth to ‘healthy baby girl’ after consent battle

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A teenager who suffered from a “history of sexual exploitation” has given birth after courts ruled doctors could operate without her consent. In a lengthy legal battle, lawyers argued that specialists should deliver the child via c-section, and a judge agreed. After Mr Justice Cobb assented in London’s Court of Protection last week, the troubled teen gave birth by induction.

The judge determined on November 18 that the specialists could operate after “one last” attempted induction.

A spokesman confirmed the teenager – who must remain anonymous – gave birth to a “healthy baby girl” after doctors “successfully induced” her.

Lawyers had informed the judge that her past sexual exploitation had left her with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

While the decision came from London, the girl was being looked after by the Wigan & Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Wigan, Greater Manchester.

Trust chiefs had sought a legal decision on how best to proceed with her care.

Experts advised that a Caesarian section was the most “realistic” way forward due to her mental health difficulties and a “significant risk of stillbirth”.

The legal team, led by Barrister Peter Mant, said her views on birth had repeatedly changed, while the teenager’s representative Mungo Wenban-Smith said she wished to deliver naturally.

The teen wished to be “awake and aware” as she gave birth following labour with the “least intervention”, Mr Wenban-Smith said.

The Court of Protection considers cases on property, financial affairs and personal welfare in the UK.

Judges can determine whether others can make decisions for people who cannot do so themselves.

Mr Justice Cobb considered the request from the Wigan NHS trust as lawyers said her capacity to make decisions appeared to “fluctuate”.

He placed a reporting embargo on the case that expired after the teen gave birth over fears that identifying herself in reports may lead her to behave in a way that put the child’s life at risk.

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