When you’ve got a baby on the way it’s such an exciting time. As mothers, we look expectantly to the future counting down the weeks until we can welcome a new life into the world. Back in 2015, one particular mother wrote a letter that made waves. The issue surrounding the opinion of a medical practitioner when he revealed the truth about her baby and her response was a very powerful message. Courtney Baker was expecting her daughter, Emersyn Faith. This excitement was overshadowed when after the ultrasound revealed that the baby had Down’s Syndrome, the doctor suggested that she abort the pregnancy. Even when Courtney refused, the doctor repeatedly stated their claim that her daughter would not live a fulfilled life and would be a burden to her. Luckily, this courageous mom stood by her sentiment and saw her daughter Emmy as nothing but a blessing. [2]
Her daughter was a blessing – the truth about her baby
It took Courtney over a year before she finally got the courage to write the doctor a letter in response to the way she had been treated. At 15 months old, Emmy was pictured dropping the letter in the mail and when Courtney shared the image via the Parker Myles page on Facebook the response was enormous. So many people online were immediately touched by the sentiment of Courtney’s story and the fight she went through to stay true to herself when she learned the truth about her baby. [1]
Courtney’s letter cut deep
Dear Doctor,
A friend recently told me of when her prenatal specialist would see her child during her sonograms, he would comment, “He’s perfect.” Once her son was born with Down syndrome, she visited that same doctor. He looked at her little boy and said, “I told you. He’s perfect.”
Her story tore me apart. While I was so grateful for my friend’s experience, it filled me with such sorrow because of what I should have had. I wish you would have been that doctor.
I came to you during the most difficult time in my life. And, I was terrified, anxious, and in complete despair. I didn’t know the truth yet about my baby, and that’s what I desperately needed from you. But instead of support and encouragement, you suggested we terminate our child. I told you her name, and you asked us again if we understood how low our quality of life would be with a child with Down syndrome. You suggested we reconsider our decision to continue the pregnancy.
From that first visit, we dreaded our appointments. The most difficult time in my life was made nearly unbearable because you never told me the truth. My child was perfect. [2]
Courtney Baker, abcNEWS
I’m not angry. not bitter. I’m really just sad.
I’m sad the tiny beating hearts you see every day don’t fill you with a perpetual awe. Also, I’m sad the intricate details and the miracle of those sweet little fingers and toes, lungs and eyes and ears don’t always give you pause. I’m sad you were so very wrong to say a baby with Down syndrome would decrease our quality of life. And I’m heartbroken you might have said that to a mommy even today. But I’m mostly sad you’ll never have the privilege of knowing my daughter, Emersyn.
Because, you see, Emersyn has not only added to our quality of life, she’s touched the hearts of thousands. She’s given us a purpose and a joy that is impossible to express. And, she’s given us bigger smiles, more laughter and sweeter kisses than we’ve ever known. She’s opened our eyes to true beauty and pure love.
So my prayer is that no other mommy will have to go through what I did. My prayer is that you, too, will now see true beauty and pure love with every sonogram.
And my prayer is when you see that next baby with Down syndrome lovingly tucked in her mother’s womb, you will look at that mommy and see me then tell her the truth: “Your child is perfect.”
Courtney hoped the doctor “sees Emmy. I hope he sees my words on paper.” She continued “Emmy is proof that children with special needs are worthy and can change the world. She’s doing it right now.” [2]
Courtney Baker, abcNEWS
Keep Reading: Baby Girl With Down Syndrome Is Adopted by a Doting Dad After Being Rejected by 20 Families
Sources:
- “A Mother’s Letter To The Doctor Who Told Her To Abort Her Baby.” GodUpdates. June 8, 2016
- “Mom and Baby With Down Syndrome Mail Letter to Doctor Who Suggested Abortion.” abc News. 7 June 2016