21 weeks*

I saw a child for an assessment who was born at 21weeks’ (almost 22 weeks’) gestation.

As I was reading the referral information before the appointment, I couldn’t quite believe that figure was correct.  I thought maybe the referring doctor had made a typing error, and that it was supposed to be 31 weeks, but no.

She’s now almost 4.  She has a myriad of health problems, as is common in children born too soon: breathing difficulties, a heart problem, mobility difficulties and more; alongside the delayed language and social interaction that I was seeing her for.  She also has behavioural problems, and all these issues mean that looking after her is much more difficult than caring for the average child.

But … she was also extremely cute and affectionate.  And obviously a very much loved and wanted little girl who has brought much happiness to her family and friends …

Currently, women in Great Britain can have a termination at up to 24 weeks into the pregnancy.

I am, of course, pro-choice.  Not exactly for abortion (is anyone “for abortion”?), but definitely pro-choice.

But seeing this girl today … well, it makes you think, doesn’t it? 

She was born at an age when she could have been aborted.

That’s quite a shocking thought.

* N.B. I have changed some details to ensure that the child’s identity is not compromised.

Are you getting it done?

That was the question on everyone’s lips today at work.

An email came round offering us all the swine flu jab.  We’re “front-line NHS workers”, you see.

I was surprised by just how many of my colleagues are choosing NOT to have the jab.  Many were saying they just didn’t trust it, and were worried about it making them sick.

I had to chuckle to myself.

These are the same colleagues who talk about how irresponsible parents who choose not to give their kids the MMR are; colleagues who know the percentage of people that need to be innoculated against measles in order that ‘herd immunity’ be achieved, and who gently humour parents who suggest a link between the MMR and the sudden onset of autistic behaviours in their child.*

They don’t seem to realise the irony of their behaviour. 

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*   As everyone knows, there is thought to be no link between autism and the MMR.