Heidi Carter, 26, a campaigner for Down’s syndrome rights, including the right to life, is going to the UK Court of Appeal to oppose a ruling allowing disabled babies to be aborted right up to the point of birth.

Last year, the High Court of Justice ruled that unborn babies diagnosed with a possible foetal anomaly, including Down’s syndrome, can be aborted past 24 weeks gestation, the usual limit on abortion in the UK, as reported by SPUC.

Heidi Carter (née Crowter), who has Down’s syndrome, pursued a joint case against the Government with Marie-Lea Wilson, who has a son with the same condition. Both argued that the current abortion law constitutes “downright discrimination” and violates the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

Despite losing their case last September, Heidi has now been given the go-ahead to take her case to the Court of Appeal.

“People like me should not be discriminated against”, says Heidi. “The law that allows abortion up to birth makes me feel that I am not wanted and loved… It makes me feel not valued and that people don’t want babies like me.

“Please hear our appeal so all babies can be treated equally, all the time... I want people to see us as people and equals.”

SPUC comment

A SPUC spokesperson said: “It is quite simply scandalous that beautiful human beings such as Heidi, recently married, are still targeted today because of a disability. It sends absolutely the wrong message to the disabled.

“Abortion only serves to enable and perpetuate this blatant prejudice, which must be opposed, and is part of a broader demonisation of the disabled – a sad indictment of where we are as a society.

“SPUC is of course following this case closely and will keep supporters updated. We all wish Heidi every success. She is a hero fighting for equality and the right to life for all.

“We are all human.”

Similar stories

Suing government over law allowing abortion up to birth for disability

Aborting babies with a disability up to birth is not discriminatory, high court rules