Mother says aborting her mentally ill daughter’s child would be against her religious beliefs

The woman, who is in her 20s and cannot be identified for legal reasons, has been diagnosed with a “moderately severe” learning disorder and a mood disorder. 

Specialists caring for her say a termination is in her best interests.

But the woman’s mother, a member of the Nigerian Igbo community, disagrees.

She says she could care for the baby and says abortion is against her Roman Catholic religious beliefs and her cultural beliefs.

Bosses at the NHS trust responsible for the woman’s care have asked Mrs Justice Lieven to decide what is in the woman’s best interests.

The judge began analysing evidence at a hearing in the Court of Protection, where issues relating to people who lack the mental capacity to make decisions are considered, at the Royal Courts of Justice complex in London on Thursday.

Mrs Justice Lieven is considering the case at a public hearing but she has ruled that the woman, who lives in the London area, cannot be identified in reports of the case.

She also says the NHS trust which has begun litigation cannot be named because publication of that name might create an information jigsaw which could lead to the woman’s identity being revealed.

Barrister Fiona Paterson, who is leading the trust’s legal team, told Mrs Justice Lieven that specialists thought a termination would be in the woman’s best interests.

She said the baby might be taken into council…