A woman with Down's syndrome who is challenging the UK's abortion law says the legislation 'doesn't respect my life'. Heidi Carter, 26, from Coventry, is one of three claimants whose case against the government began at the High Court on Tuesday.
Under current law, foetuses diagnosed with Down's syndrome may be terminated up to birth, whereas other abortions are generally limited to 24 weeks. The claimants argue this is unlawfully discriminatory and incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.
Jason Coppal QC, representing the claimants, told the court that the law 'stereotypes and demeans' people with Down's syndrome. He said claimant Máire Lea-Wilson 'believes it is morally and ethically wrong to destroy a life on the grounds of a disability' and that the challenge seeks to establish it is legally wrong.
Ms Carter, who campaigns under her maiden name Crowter, said: 'I am someone who has Down's syndrome and I find it extremely offensive that a law doesn't respect my life, and I won't stand for it.' She emphasised she respects women's right to choose but wants expectant mothers to receive accurate information and meet people with the condition.
Ms Lea-Wilson, of west London, said she was asked three times to terminate her pregnancy after discovering her son Aidan had Down's syndrome, the last time two days before his birth. She said: 'I have two sons who I love and I value equally and I can't understand why the law doesn't.'
Clare Murphy, from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, said the number of abortions after 24 weeks is small and involves 'incredibly challenging, heartbreaking circumstances'. The hearing continues before Lord Justice Singh and Mrs Justice Lieven.
