From the moment a mother learns she is expecting, she hopes everything goes smoothly. Every parent wants their baby to be born healthy, but sometimes, things take an unexpected turn.
When Courtney Williams Baker found out she was pregnant, she and her husband were overjoyed. She never missed an appointment and looked forward to every ultrasound. Hearing her baby’s heartbeat was the best part of each visit.
One day, however, a visit to the doctor changed everything. It wasn’t the news that her baby had Down Syndrome that broke her—it was her doctor’s reaction. Instead of offering support, he suggested they terminate the pregnancy.
Courtney and her husband didn’t even consider it. Their answer was a firm no. They were ready to welcome their child with love, no matter what.
Two years after her daughter, Emersyn, was born, Courtney still couldn’t forget how her doctor had made her feel. She decided to write him a letter to express her thoughts.
“A friend once told me that during her ultrasounds, her doctor would always say, ‘He’s perfect.’ After her baby was born with Down Syndrome, that same doctor looked at him and said, ‘I told you. He’s perfect.’ Her story broke my heart. While I was happy for her, I also felt sorrow because I never had that experience,” she wrote.
Courtney wished her doctor had treated her the same way.
“I came to you scared and uncertain. I needed encouragement, but instead, you suggested we end the pregnancy. You asked if we understood how hard our life would be and told us to reconsider our decision. From that moment on, we dreaded every appointment,” she continued.
But Courtney knew the truth. Her daughter was perfect.
Having Emersyn changed their lives in the best way possible.
“She has brought us more joy than we ever imagined. She’s given us purpose, laughter, and so much love. She has also touched the hearts of so many people,” Courtney wrote.
We’re so glad Courtney trusted her heart and welcomed her beautiful daughter into the world.