A husband and wife have recounted how they cherished their final days with their son, diagnosed with Edwards Syndrome, refusing to have an abortion so they could “make memories with our baby… It was my greatest blessing.”
Elizabeth and Joshua Evans found out at just over 14 weeks gestation that their son wouldn’t survive the pregnancy or would die shortly after birth.
Their son Joshua was diagnosed with Trisomy 18, known as Edwards Syndrome, a rare life-limiting genetic disorder that causes various physical and developmental abnormalities.
Speaking to Newsweek, Mrs Evans said: “We were told that I would either miscarry, he’d pass away in the womb, or he’d pass away shortly after.”
The couple were advised to have an abortion, but they refused. “That was not an option for us”, said Mrs Evans. “I was going to carry him as long as he lived… as long as God let me.”
Instead of having an abortion, Joshua’s parents were determined to cherish the short time they had left with him, as Mrs Evans explained:
“When a baby passes away, you don’t always have those memories because you didn’t have as much time. This is why we decided to make memories with our baby…
“It was a way for us to cope with his diagnosis and put a positive spin on the situation. Doing so allowed us to have happy moments with our baby despite the heartache of knowing we didn’t have much time left.”
His parents sang and spoke to him in the womb and did other activities, including visiting Christmas lights.
Joshua, who had several abnormalities, including clubbed hands, brain cysts and a heart defect, passed away during labour and was stillborn.
Sharing her story with the public, Mrs Evans said: “It was my greatest blessing and an honour to carry baby Joshy and to give him a life… We have a beautiful bond and relationship with our baby because of the memories we’ve created.
“I’m so grateful we’ve been able to touch so many people’s hearts with our story.”
The couple shared their story on Instagram (@elizabethevansss), receiving millions of views and thousands of life-affirming comments.
One person commented: “As a nurse… I can tell you your bonding with your child throughout your pregnancy and in the end will be the most precious gift you’ve ever given him and yourselves. God bless you all.”
“An example that in life it’s always the perspective that matters”, someone else posted.
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