Woman with Down's Syndrome takes Javid to court over abortion law

A woman with Down's Syndrome is taking the UK Government to court over the 'deeply offensive' abortion law which permit the late termination of pregnancies which could result in a child that has Down's Syndrome

Heidi Crowter, 25, teamed up with Máire Lea-Wilson, whose son Aidan has the condition, to launch the legal battle last year.

Currently, the law allows terminations after 24 weeks if 'severe foetal abnormality' is detected.

The only other circumstances in which abortions are legal after the 24-week point is if there is a mortal risk to the mother.

The pair have raised more than £100,000 to take the Government to court over the law which Heidi has previously said makes her feel 'sad and upset'.

The 25-year-old married husband James and worked in a salon before the pandemic struck.

She said: 'I will not tolerate it. That someone like me or James could be aborted just before birth is just not on.'

The case is being brought against Sajid Javid, the new health secretary, and Heidi will speak at the hearing along with other campaigners.

Máire, an accountant, equality rights campaigner and mother, said when she was informed her unborn baby had Down's Syndrome, the first thing medics discussed at the hospital was termination.

'When I said I wanted to carry on with the pregnancy, that decision was written into my hospital notes, yet I was asked several times more over the next few days whether I wanted to continue.

'The last time I was asked whether I wanted to terminate the pregnancy was at 36 weeks by an obstetrician, just a few days before Aidan was born.

'It is tragic especially when I think about Aidan, who is the funniest little boy ever. He just cracks me up.'

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