-Kelly-

Couple abandons IVF 'wrong sex' babies

By staff writers

May 29, 2008 12:05pm
Article from: NEWS.com.au

HOSPITAL workers in Britain were left stunned after a couple reportedly abandoned IVF twin girls immediately after giving birth because they weren't boys.

The couple of Indian heritage but who live as British citizens in the city of Birmingham told medical staff directly after the Caesarean section delivery they weren't going to accept the girls as they were the "wrong sex", UK tabloid The Sun reported.

The husband even reportedly asked staff at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton how soon his wife would be fit enough to fly to India to have renewed fertility treatment in an attempt to have boys to carry on the family name.

The couple had undergone IVF treatment in India because with the mother aged 59 and the father a 72-year-old they were deemed too old to undergo the procedure in Britain.

The Sun quotes a source at the hospital as saying: “Everyone is utterly appalled. How could any parent do this?

“This is Britain in the 21st century.

“But they just weren’t prepared to raise these two beautiful girls.”

Female babies are often abandoned and sometimes left for dead or killed in India by traditional families who only value male offspring.

Following the discharge of the mother, who ignored medical advice that she should rest in hospital, the babies have been transferred to another hospital in Birmingham where they have received no visitors.

British authorities have told The Sun they are investigating the matter

Couple abandons IVF 'wrong sex' babies | NEWS.com.au

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How awful, they shouldn't be parents at all

Lain

While I know that in some cultures, the male gender is more favorable than the female, I do wonder sometimes that if they only valued males much more, then how exactly are they going to have any offspring.

Just a thought.

Jen Jaree

This goes to show that it's not just developing countries that value boys more than girls. I would personally rather adopt than give birth if I ever want kids. I am not against those who would rather have their own. But I would rather adopt a kid who needs a home than bring one into this ovepopulated planet

*Ledi*

That's what I always wonder, too.

I absolutely hate things like this, and people who think this way.

Nad

I'm at a loss for words whenever I read things like this How people can abandon their children just because they are the wrong sex is beyond me

Okay, got to ask this... how, at the age of 59 and 72 respectively do they expect to even have another healthy child the next time around?

Amy

I think that's absolutely disgusting. How can anyone abandon their own children just because of their sex?

migamoo

Maybe there was a reason they were deemed too old anyway. There are so many health problems a potential child could have. I know I don't want to be having children when I'm 60! I don't know, this just disgusts me. A baby is a baby and should be loved, no matter the sex.

sunnykerr

China has the "one child" policy... which, of course, is a bit more complicated because there are exceptions to the rule and all of that, but the point is that they have that policy.

And, for whatever reason, as we know, it lead to many girl babies being abandoned one way or another.

But, recently, they've tried to make changes. Specifically to counter the pro-boy bias. So as to equalize the population, essentially.

Because, of course, any people that pivilege boys over girls to that extent is indeed doomed to self-destruct.

As for this particular case, maybe it's a blessing in disguise. Because, while I do believe that some older folk are definitely healthier than many a younger person, and while 59 isn't old technically... the fact is they would have been elderly by the time their kids reached high school (to say nothing of the dad, who is pretty much there already).

This way, hopefully, the girls will have a chance to have parents who will be in a better position to take care of them for a longer period of time.

Nad

Same here. I mean, I would be going on 80 when my children graduate

And I for one would personally rather adopt a child if I'm not able to have a child of my own or have reached a certain age. I know technically 59 isn't old these days, in my opinion it is for childbirth though, just think of the health risks with pregnancies at that age.

I really hope the authorities find a loving, caring family for the girls.

TheAngel

59 is still old for childbirth because at increased ages there are risks of birth defects for the baby as well as health risks during pregnancy and birth for the mother that only increase during age. What I wonder is, why didn't the mother get an unlrasound during her pregnancy and then abort the children before full term. That's not any better than what she did here, but I've heard of selective abortion in China when the baby is not male.
I can't imagine leaving a child because of its sex. It makes me think we're getting closer and closer to the events of the movie, Gattica, where you could do genetic testing on newborns and find out all about them and treat them accordingly.

vc318

I just hope that those 2 beautiful girls find two loving parents to raise them. I guess some ignorant attitudes never fail in some places.

tutorgirl_em

Me too

sunnykerr

I just meant that 59 isn't old in and of itself. Obviously, it's old to be having kids.

Sharon den Adel

I heard about this a few days ago, and was horrified that two people could show such contempt for their own children.

I have to say that I hope their further attempts at IVF are eithor knocked back, or fail, as these are two people who do not deserve to be parents.

~Unfaithful~

This is a horrible story. I know these girls will end up with loving families in the end, but these people do not deserve to have children.