'I should never have been born': Woman with spina bifida sues doctor | World News - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

'I should never have been born': Woman with spina bifida sues doctor

By | Written by Amit Chaturvedi, Hindustan Times, New Delhi
Nov 25, 2021 11:30 AM IST

Evie Toombes was born with spina bifida, the rare condition did not allow her spinal cord did not develop properly in the womb, which caused permanent disability. She has accused her mother's doctor of not giving proper advice.

A 20-year-old woman in the UK is suing a general practitioner - who gave advice to her mother when she was pregnant - for not properly informing about how to ward of a condition that she was diagnosed with in the womb. Evie Toombes wants millions in damages from Dr Philip Mitchell.

Evie Toombes with her mother Caroline.(Courtesy: Facebook/Evie Toombes)
Evie Toombes with her mother Caroline.(Courtesy: Facebook/Evie Toombes)

According to Daily Mail, she was born with lipomyelomeningocele (LMM) right after her birth. Also known as spina bifida, the rare condition did not allow her spinal cord did not develop properly in the womb, which caused permanent disability. The showjumping star claims the doctor did not advise her mother Caroline Toombes to take folic acid to avoid the child being 'born in a damaged state', Daily Mail reported.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

Toombes mother, now 50, became pregnant in 2001 and was advised by Dr Mitchell to take folic acid but was not told of its importance in spina bifida prevention. Caroline said the doctor told her if she was taking a good diet, she would not have to take folic acid.

The doctor, however, has denied any liability, claiming he gave Caroline Toombes "reasonable advice".

Evie Toombes' lawyer says is Caroline had put off getting pregnant, she would have had a normal, healthy baby.

Due to her condition, Evie's mobility is said to be very limited, and she will have to use a wheelchair more and more as she grows older.

She now works at Nottingham University and educates children about invisible illnesses. Evie also has her own website.

In 2018, she met the Duke of Sussex and Meghan Markle when she won the Inspiration Young Person Award at a charity event.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away! - Login Now!

Get Latest World News along with Latest News from India at Hindustan Times.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On