Pregnant mentally ill woman at centre of overturned abortion case ‘has already named baby’

The woman’s Catholic mother earlier this week won a legal battle after doctors said the pregnancy should be terminated.

A judge on Friday gave specialists permission to terminate the pregnancy.

But Court of Appeal judges on Monday overturned that decision after the woman’s mother mounted a challenge.

Judges have heard that the woman, who is in her twenties and 22 weeks pregnant, has the mental age of a child aged between six and nine.

They were told that she had been diagnosed with a “moderately severe” learning disorder and a mood disorder.

Lawyer Laura Hobey-Hamsher, who represented the woman’s mother, said the woman has already chosen a name.

“There is no question that the questions faced in this case are some of the most difficult faced by judges,” said Ms Hobey-Hamsher, who works for law firm Bindmans.

“Ultimately, the Court of Appeal disagreed with the analysis previously carried out, and the woman at the heart of all of this will now be able to meet the baby, who she has already named.”

She went on: “All of those involved in her care can put the past behind them and turn their attention to where it is needed most: The pregnancy, and the safe delivery of a healthy baby.”

Mrs Justice Lieven had initially analysed the case at a hearing at the Court of Protection, where issues relating to people who lack the mental capacity to make decisions are considered, in…