Woman shocks as she admits: ‘I wish I’d aborted my son 47 years ago’

A mother of a 47-year-old with Down's Syndrome has admitted that she wishes she'd had an abortion

S00M6Y

by Kayleigh Dray |
Published on

Speaking with the Daily Mail, Gillian Relf, 69, said that the difficulties she faces while raising a son with Down's Syndrome have proven too challenging.

She said: "This is my son, whom I've loved, nurtured and defended for nearly half a century, but if I could go back in time, I would abort him in an instant."

READ: WOMAN'S EMOTIONAL LETTER TO BABY BEFORE ABORTION

Gillian and husband Roy are childhood sweethearts, who are now looking forward to celebrating their golden anniversary.

But, despite her first pregnancy being 'easy', she admits that her second pregnancy was difficult; she had a sixth sense that there was something wrong with her baby.

Stock image
Stock image

When Stephen was born, Gillian immediately knew that he was (in her words) a 'mongol baby' - and she immediately began questioning whether she could have caused the disability.

And, while many assumed that she would grow to accept her son's disability over time, Gillian openly admits that this has not been the case.

WATCH: WOMAN FILMS HERSELF HAVING AN ABORTION TO PROVE IT 'ISN'T SCARY'

"While I do love my son, and am fiercely protective of him, I know our lives would have been happier and far less complicated if he had never been born. I do wish I'd had an abortion. I wish it every day.

"If he had not been born, I'd have probably gone on to have another baby, we would have had a normal family life and Andrew [her eldest son] would have the comfort, rather than the responsibility, of a sibling, after we're gone."

Stock image

Gillian admitted that her mental health suffered after having Stephen, forcing her to attend regular counselling sessions.

19 KIDS AND COUNTING STAR COMPARES HOLOCAUST TO ABORTION

And, despite her 'incontinent and uncommunicative' son living in sheltered accommodation in Kent with two other women who have Down's - where they have 24 hour support from carers - Gillian has appealed to all pregnant mothers not make the same mistake she did.

"Do what is right for you and your family."

Was Gillian right to keep her Down's baby? Let us know via her comments box now.

Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us