The couple terminated a healthy pregnancy in 2019 after an incorrect FFA diagnosis
A couple who settled their High Court actions in a wrongful termination case last month are to meet with Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.
Rebecca Price and Patrick Kiely settled their case last month after they terminated a healthy pregnancy in 2019 as a result of an incorrect fatal foetal abnormality diagnosis.
In a statement outside of court, the couple had said they were seeking a meeting with the Health Minister to ensure what happened to them never happens again.
That meeting is now to go ahead on July 26.
The couple’s solicitor Caoimhe Haughey said it is hoped the meeting will bring about the necessary changes recommended in a commissioned report by Dr Peter McKenna, clinical director of the HSE’s National Women and Infants Health Programme.
The report, which was shared with the couple, set out a number of recommendations to ensure the highest standards for maternal and infant health care.
In February 2019, Price was 12 weeks pregnant when a blood test came back positive for genetic disorder trisomy 18, or Edward’s Syndrome, which is classified as a fatal foetal abnormality.
A further rapid result PCR test carried out in a Glasgow laboratory also came back positive for the condition. The couple terminated the pregnancy on advice of their consultant in March 2019.
Following the termination, the results of a full cell culture test showed their unborn son, whom they named Christopher Joseph Kiely, had no fatal foetal abnormalities, and was perfectly healthy.
“We hope this is the start for impetus in the direction of making Christopher’s voice a legacy that will help and guide future mums and dads and parents going forward,” Haughey told The Journal.
