Last week the controversial issue of surrogacy was thrown under the spotlight when a British surrogate mother was left raising a disabled baby after the intended parents refused to take care of her.

The girl, who has a rare congenital muscular condition, was one of the twins. But while her healthy brother was taken home by the childless British couple, the girl was left with the surrogate because of her disability.

The little girl is now being raised by the surrogate mum and her partner, alongside their other children.

MUM REJECTED DISABLED TWIN BABY BECAUSE SHE WAS A 'DRIBBLING CABBAGE'

One woman who understands the surrogate's heartache is Crystal Kelley, 32. She carried a baby for a couple in October 2011 and discovered at 21 weeks that she had health problems.

The intended parents asked Crystal to have an abortion- even offering her £6k for it- but she refused and considered keeping the baby, who wasn't her biological daughter. But as a single mum to two daughters, she felt it wasn't feasible and made the agonising decision to have her adopted.

GAY BIOLOGICAL FATHERS TO TWIN BOYS DENIED LEGAL PARENTHOOD

Crystal, from Connecticut, says: "Hearing about the UK case brought back painful memories. It made me so sad to hear another family had rejected their surrogate child because of disability. I was devastated when the parents asked me to terminate the baby.

"Part of me understands why the parents felt they couldn't cope. But I felt shed had a chance at a good life and I didn't want to take that away. I visit her every few months and she's a happy, loving little girl. I don't regret my decision."

Read more in Closer magazine, out now.