A Mother’s Heartfelt Letter to Her Doctor about Her Down Syndrome Baby
A Mother’s Unwavering Love
Every expectant mother hopes for a smooth and uneventful pregnancy, but life often has different plans. Yet, no matter the circumstances, a mother’s love for her baby remains unconditional.
One mother’s journey took an unexpected turn when she gave birth to a baby with Down syndrome. Instead of seeking empathy and understanding from her doctor, she faced a disheartening recommendation to terminate the pregnancy. Years later, she penned a poignant letter to express the impact of her doctor’s reaction to her daughter’s condition.
A Doctor’s Recommendation
Courtney Williams Baker became a mother to Emersyn, a child with Down syndrome. During her prenatal checkups, Courtney and her partner received the heartbreaking news that their unborn baby had Down syndrome. Instead of experiencing the joyous anticipation of hearing their baby’s heartbeat, they were met with dread when their doctor suggested terminating the pregnancy—a suggestion they firmly declined.
Two years after Emersyn’s birth, in 2016, Courtney decided to write a heartfelt letter to her doctor. She began by recounting her friend’s experience with a different doctor, who had commented on the perfection of her friend’s child during sonograms, even after the Down syndrome diagnosis. Courtney shared her friend’s story, which deeply affected her, as it highlighted the contrast between her own experience and the empathy her friend had received.
A Mother’s Heartfelt Wish
In her letter, Courtney expressed her longing for the same compassionate treatment her friend had received. She lamented the fact that her own doctor had recommended an abortion solely based on her daughter’s condition. She wrote, “I wish you would have been that doctor. I came to you during the most difficult time in my life—I was terrified, anxious, and filled with despair. I didn’t know the truth about my baby yet, and that’s what I desperately needed from you. Instead of support and encouragement, you suggested terminating our child. I shared her name with you, and you once again questioned whether we understood the diminished quality of life we would have with a child with Down syndrome. You urged us to reconsider continuing the pregnancy.”
These interactions with her doctor made Courtney dread her appointments and left her emotionally burdened. She conveyed the impact of the doctor’s failure to provide honest and compassionate guidance, saying, “From that first visit, we approached our appointments with trepidation. The most challenging period of my life was made almost unbearable because you never told me the truth. My child was perfect.”
A Gift of Love and Purpose
Courtney further revealed how Emersyn, her daughter with Down syndrome, had transformed her life with newfound meaning. She expressed, “You see, Emersyn hasn’t only enriched our lives, but she has also touched the hearts of thousands. She has given us purpose and a joy that words cannot express. She has brought us bigger smiles, more laughter, and sweeter kisses than we could have ever imagined. Through her, we have discovered true beauty and pure love.”
