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Couple Allowed to Surrender Newborn with Rare Genetic Disorder
30 Oct
Summary
- Court permits parents to hand over newborn diagnosed with skeletal dysplasia.
- Medical board advised against termination, citing non-lethal condition.
- Couple sought permission to give baby to child welfare services.
The Kochi High Court has granted permission for a couple to surrender their expected child, diagnosed with skeletal dysplasia, to the child welfare committee after birth. Skeletal dysplasia is a rare genetic disorder impacting bone and cartilage development. The couple, from Idukki, had petitioned for the termination of their 33-week pregnancy following the diagnosis.
A medical board's report, submitted as per the court's directive, recommended against terminating the pregnancy. The report identified a non-lethal, micromelic form of skeletal dysplasia in the fetus, characterized by significantly shortened long bones. The board noted that developmental delays couldn't be predicted without genetic testing and that premature termination could increase the baby's morbidity.
Considering the medical findings and the parents' expressed unwillingness to retain the child due to the diagnosed abnormality, the court allowed them to hand over the newborn to child welfare services. This decision aligns with the medical board's recommendation, ensuring the child's welfare while respecting the parents' difficult choice.
